Manchester United’s five things noticed as Rúben Amorim made a “perfect” choice vs FCSB (Europa League)

Rúben Amorim made a perfect choice as Manchester United cruised past FCSB in the Europa League with a solid 2-0 win in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Rúben Amorim chose to start Toby Collyer in midfield as Manchester United lined up to face FCSB in their final Europa League fixture in the league stage of the competition.

The tie started with United looking to start and stay on the front foot, with good runs being made by Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund in the front line.

Despite a few early crosses and a good chance from the Danish international, United failed to find the target and headed into half-time at a stalemate with the Romanian home team.

In the second half, Amorim chose to replace Collyer and Tyrell Malacia with Amad and Alejandro Garacho, with the latter hitting the post almost immediately.

Diogo Dalot then opened the scoring at the far left post on the hour after a fantastic piece of movement and delivery from Mainoo, with the midfielder turning from provider to goalscorer as he slotted in United’s second of the night with excellent grace.

With United two goals up and thoroughly in control of the fixture, Amorim’s men stood off and looked to close the tie with a clean sheet, succeeding and securing passage to the Europa League knockout phase after finishing third in the league table.

#1 – Amorim Mainoo experiment was perfect

Some were intrigued to see where Amorim would start Mainoo when he was named in the line-up, and it became immediately clear that the English midfielder was playing in the advanced attacking role on the left, ahead of Alejandro Garnacho.

From the early moments, Mainoo was making multiple runs in the left channels, and he was keeping a wide berth on the left flank, which was stretching FCSB’s defensive line and allowing United to play through them.

In the second half, he was moved to the right-attacking side, and it was his movement and brilliant cross that delivered Dalot’s opening goal. After struggling to play deeper so far, Amorim’s experience with Mainoo higher up the field paid off to perfection.

#2 – United weren’t finding Højlund’s runs

United fans were right to feel frustrated off the back of Højlund’s back to goal performance against Fulham, but on Thursday evening, he was making many runs in behind FCSB and was a lot more dynamic.

However, for the most part of the first half, United’s defenders and midfielders failed to find his runs, with only one cross from Martínez reaching the striker, although he failed to convert the admittedly good chance.

In the second 45 minutes, the players weren’t just finding Højlund’s runs, but the players were playing a much more aggressive and attacking style of football, which they reaped the rewards.

#3 – Half-time substitutes changed the game

Although United looked like an improved side during the first half compared to their drab display against Fulham, it wasn’t until Amad and Garnacho came on for the second half that they really kicked into life.

Although neither were involved in the first, Garnacho’s presence forced Mainoo onto the right who then created the opener, the Argentina international suppled a quality assist for the second of the night.

In general, the club looked better once the extra injection of pace and intensity was added in the second 45 minutes, and Garnacho, in particular, was a bright spot. However, his final third production still needs to become more consistent.

#4 – A last-minute attacking reinforcement is needed

Despite United’s great efforts in the second half, it is a little worrying that, once again, United were only able to look a proper threat with Amad on the field and Garnacho in food form.

Read More: Player Ratings – FCSB 0-2 Manchester United (Europa League)

Mainoo’s great display in his attacking role has handed Amorim a great extra option in attack, but if it’s possible, the club should look to add to the front line before the winter window closes on 3 Feburary.

As UtdDistrict have been informed, United are set to act on their interest in Mathys Tel, but it remains to be seen if they can strike a deal with Bayern Munich.

#5 – United are showing signs of recovery

When Erik ten Hag departed United, the club were sat 21st in the Europa League. However, with all eight league fixtures having been played out, United have ended third, just one point of first-place Lazio.

Despite their continued mixed fortunes and disappointing position in the Premier League, their resurgence and good performances in the European competition is a sign of things to come under Amorim.

United players have been under a lot of pressure with only individual results to hang on to with belief, but their progression directly into the knockout phases after their poor European start can give United a much-needed basis for sustained success and belief that they can recover the campaign.

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