FCSB 0-2 Man United PLAYER RATINGS: Who was the conductor that ran the show? Which star thrived in a new role? And who has to change their game to stay in Ruben Amorim's team?
FCSB 0-2 Man United PLAYER RATINGS: Who was the conductor that ran the show? Which star thrived in a new role? And who has to change their game to stay in Ruben Amorim's team?
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Manchester United shook off a rusty first half to turn FCSB over and progress through to the knockout stages of the Europa League. Ruben Amorim was bold in his substitutions and the decision to send on Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho at the break changed the game. From then on United turned the screw and goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo ensured a routine victory away in Bucharest. Amorim made five changes to his line-up and while he is still trialling players in different positions, he is continuing to grind out key results and this certainly was one of them.
Victory ensures Manchester United avoid the play-off round and progress straight through to the last-16, giving the United head coach more time off on the training ground to work with his players. Mail Sport's NATHAN SALT runs the rule over how each Manchester United star performed in Romania. Manchester United did their job to reach the last-16 of the Europa League with a win over FCSB. Diogo Dalot (middle) scored the opening goal on a night where Bruno Fernandes (right) shone.
Ruben Amorim witnessed a drab first half but his decisive substitutions changed the contest. Altay Bayindir - 6. Saw his crossbar rattled by a stunning long-range striker from Daniel Bîrligea but bar the occasional scare, this was the type of comfortable night the regular No 2 goalkeeper will have hoped for. Noussair Mazraoui - 6.5. Looked much more comfortable as a centre back compared to being deployed at left wing-back away against Fulham at the weekend. It's an interesting conundrum going forward where he can be most effective for United.
Matthjis de Ligt - 7. Looks more and more comfortable as the weeks role on and anchoring the back three here he deserves a lot of credit for seeing this clean sheet out. Has the trust of Amorim and it shows by how often he is selected. Lisandro Martinez - 7.5. Picked up where he left off from his match-winning performance at Fulham and once again led by example. Ruben Amorim made a public plea for leaders in recent weeks and the diminutive Argentine defender has answered the call. Read the game with such ease it is a joy to watch him.
Diogo Dalot - 7. Was swapped from the right wing to the left once Tyrell Malacia went off at half-time and he immediately offered more in attacking areas. Showed good desire and awareness to break free from his marker to tap in Kobbie Mainoo’s cross for the opening goal. United had their wings from that point on. Toby Collyer - 5.5. It was a show of faith to start with the youngster and he can consider himself unfortunate to be brought off at the interval. Went 34/36 on his accurate passes and was diligent to keep play ticking over. Lacked that passing threat between the lines which put most of the onus on Bruno Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes - 8.5. Ran the show from start to finish. Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo may have come away with the goals but the Manchester United captain was the conductor for this Romanian opera. Rattled the crossbar with a stunning strike before United took the lead but the biggest feather in his cap was how he manipulated the ball around the pitch so effortlessly. MOTM. Tyrell Malacia - 5. Was one of five changes by Ruben Amorim but found himself on the periphery of a poor first half before he was hooked at the break. His biggest flashpoint was a rash tackle on Florin Tanase that left the FCSB youngster in a heap on the floor. Booked.
Christian Eriksen - 6. Started with a bright energy but his influence waned as the game wore on, particularly in a first half which was all too safe from a Manchester United point of view. Not at the peak of his powers but can still be effective when Amorim wants to dominate possession as they did here. Kobbie Mainoo - 7.5. Scored his first goal since the FA Cup final against Manchester City last year as he flourished in a more advanced role. Was guilty of missing a glorious chance from a Rasmus Hojlund cutback in the first half but he shook that off to thrive in the second in a new, more advanced, role. Delivered a brilliant low cross for Diogo Dalot to tap in the opening goal before getting in on the act himself to double their lead. A promising evening.
Rasmus Hojlund - 6. Another game without a goal but this was a display that was far from as galling as the one he produced at Fulham. His running is with purpose and he was unfortunate not to get an assist for Kobbie Mainoo in the first half. Gets such limited service but he simply has to find ways to get himself more involved in matches or he’ll find himself replaced. MANAGER: Ruben Amorim - 8. Made five changes for this trip to Bucharest but it was his bold changes at half-time that showed he is OK admitting when he has got it wrong, as he did starting with Tyrell Malacia. His in-game tweaks have delivered so many results in his first 18 games in charge.