FCSB vs Man United: Mainoo shines as United go through, full playoff details

Manchester United advanced directly to the Europa League last 16 after a 2-0 victory over FCSB in Bucharest, with 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo playing a key role by scoring and assisting.

After a slow first 60 minutes, Mainoo set up Diogo Dalot for the opener before adding a goal of his own eight minutes later. The midfielder, deployed in a more advanced role by manager Ruben Amorim, found the net for the first time since United's FA Cup final win last season.

"I enjoyed it," Mainoo said after the match. "I am just happy to be on the pitch for Manchester United."

United finished third in the Europa League’s league phase, securing automatic qualification for the last 16, where they will face either Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or FC Midtjylland in March.

By avoiding the knockout play-off round, Amorim emphasised the importance of the extra preparation time for his squad.

Second-half changes propel United to victory

Manchester United’s first-half display lacked intensity, prompting Amorim to introduce Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho at half-time.

The change had an immediate impact, with Garnacho hitting the post just over a minute after the restart.

The breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Mainoo’s low cross found Dalot unmarked at the back post.

United doubled their lead soon after, with Garnacho driving to the byline before cutting the ball back for Mainoo to score.

Casemiro returned from injury in the 72nd minute for his first appearance since 30 December, while FCSB had few attacking moments, with Daniel Birligea hitting the crossbar and Mihai Popescu nearly converting a first-half free kick.

United remained in control throughout, finishing as the only unbeaten team in the league phase.

Europa League knockout stage confirmed

With the group stage concluded, the following teams secured their places:

Last 16: Lazio, Athletic Bilbao, Manchester United, Tottenham, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lyon, Olympiakos, Rangers.

Knockout phase play-offs: Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, FCSB, Ajax, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Roma, Ferencvaros, Viktoria Plzen, Porto, Midtjylland, Union Saint-Gilloise, AZ Alkmaar, PAOK, Twente, Fenerbahce.

Eliminated: Braga, Elfsborg, Hoffenheim, Besiktas, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Slavia Prague, Malmo, Rigas FC, Ludogorets, Dynamo Kyiv, Nice, Qarabag.

The knockout play-off draw takes place on 31 January at 12:00 GMT, with matches set for 13 and 20 February.

Manchester United, Tottenham, and Rangers avoid this stage and will enter the last-16 draw on 21 February, when the potential quarter-final and semi-final routes will also be determined.

The last-16 ties will be played on 6 and 13 March.