Manchester United travel to Romania to face FCSB in their final Europa League League Phase fixture on Thursday night, aiming to secure automatic qualification for the last 16. The Red Devils sit fourth in the 36-team standings, just two points above ninth-placed Galatasaray, while FCSB are eighth and also in contention for a direct last-16 spot.
Manchester United’s Recent Form & Key Players
Since Ruben Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have shown signs of improvement despite some struggles. They have won three of their last four matches across all competitions, including a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rangers in the Europa League and a narrow 1-0 win against Fulham in the Premier League, thanks to Lisandro Martinez's goal.
Man United have been consistent in European away games, remaining unbeaten in their last six Europa League matches on the road (W4 D2) since their 2-1 loss to Astana in 2019. However, their league form remains inconsistent, sitting 12th in the Premier League, making Europa League success their best route to European football next season.
FCSB’s Strong Home Record & Key Threats
FCSB have been one of the Europa League's surprise packages this season, collecting 14 points from their seven matches (W4 D2 L1). They come into this clash unbeaten in their last four European games, having recently secured a crucial 3-2 comeback victory against Qarabag FK.
Despite their impressive Europa League campaign, FCSB have a poor historical record against English clubs, losing their last seven encounters by an aggregate score of 20-2. However, they have lost just three of their last 22 home matches in the competition (W11 D8) and will rely on their solid home form to challenge United.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Manchester United:
Ruben Amorim faces selection dilemmas with several key players missing. Luke Shaw (calf), Jonny Evans (muscle), and Mason Mount (thigh) are ruled out. Manuel Ugarte is doubtful, while Marcus Rashford is expected to miss out due to ongoing uncertainty about his future.
Toby Collyer is pushing for a midfield start after impressing in recent outings, while Joshua Zirkzee could lead the attack in place of Rasmus Hojlund.
Predicted XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Collyer, Mainoo, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund
FCSB:
Elias Charalambous will be without Mihai Lixandru (muscle), Octavian Popescu (knock), and key forward Darius Olaru (shoulder). Former Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches could return after missing the last three games.
Daniel Birligea, FCSB’s top scorer with 11 goals this season, is expected to lead the attack alongside Florin Tanase.
Predicted XI: Tarnovanu; Cretu, Ngezana, Dawa, Radunovic; Alhassan, Sut; Stefanescu; Tanase, Miculescu; Birligea
Match Prediction
Given their recent form, Manchester United enter this match as favorites. However, FCSB’s impressive home record and determination to secure a top-eight finish make this a tough fixture for the Red Devils.
Prediction: FCSB 1-2 Manchester United
United’s recent trend of winning Europa League games by narrow margins suggests another tight contest in Bucharest, but their attacking quality should see them edge past the Romanian champions.
