📰 Table Of Contents
Match Preview
After a rocky tenure so far as Manchester United boss, Ruben Amorim has enjoyed some relative positivity of late after winning three of their last four games in all competitions.
Though the performances have been far from convincing, they into Thursday’s clash at FCSB off the back of successive victories, beating Rangers late on in the Europa League last week before defeating Fulham.
The Red Devils’ European form has been relatively strong as they remain unbeaten after seven games but they are just a point above Thursday’s opponents, who have been the surprise package of the Europa League so far.
Elias Charalambous’ side are inside the top eight places at it stands and a victory over the Red Devils would go a long way to securing their place in the last 16, perhaps at the cost of Amorim’s side.
Rasmus got the winner on our previous European away day 💪⚽️#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 29, 2025
Team news
Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are all ruled out for United again, while Manuel Ugarte will be assessed ahead of the clash in Bucharest.
Marcus Rashford, meanewhile, is not expected to be involved as uncertainty over his future ahead of the January transfer deadline continues.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and defensive duo Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia will push for recalls, while youngster Toby Collyer could be given another run out after impressing against Rangers last week before another positive outing as a sub against Fulham.
As for FCSB, they are set to be without Mihai Lixandru, Octavian Popescu and top scorer Darius Olaru as they continue to recover from injury, while former Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches could return after three games out.
Expected line-ups
FCSB: Tarnovanu; Cretu, Ngezana, Dawa, Radunovic; Alhassan, Sut; Stefanescu; Tanase, Miculescu; Birligea
Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Collyer, Mainoo, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund
The stats
- In 13 of the last 15 FC FCSB matches the sum of goals was under 3.5
- In 11 of the last 12 FC FCSB home matches in the Europa League, the sum of goals was under 3.5
- In 11 of the last 13 FC FCSB home matches the sum of goals was under 3.5
- In 5 of the last 6 FC FCSB matches the sum of goals was under 2.5
- In 5 of the last 7 FC FCSB home matches the sum of goals was under 2.5
- In 10 of the last 12 Manchester United matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- Manchester United have won the last 4 matches in a row in the Europa League while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- Manchester United have won the last 3 matches in a row in the Europa League and the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 5 of the last 6 Manchester United away matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 4 of the last 5 Manchester United matches the sum of goals was over 3.5
How to watch FCSB v Manchester United
Thursday’s Europa League matches are live on TNT Sports and Discovery + in the UK. Viewers can stream via the Discovery + app.
Prediction
All of United’s last three wins have come by a narrow one-goal margin and it could be a very similar story on Thursday night. if they are secure another victory
FCSB are unbeaten at home in the competition this season and with so much on the line, could cause problems for a United side who are from at their best.
We are expecting a draw in this game, which should still be enough for United to secure progression.
FCSB 2-2 Manchester United
