Manchester United are seeking automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday night as they visit FCSB in their final league phase outing.
The Red Devils are guaranteed to reach the knockout phase of the competition after four successive victories have lifted them to fourth in the standings. They are certain of their spot in the play-offs but can ensure automatic progress to the last 16 if they beat FCSB in Romania. Even a draw would likely be enough to secure a top eight finish.
United can finish as high as second in the table but can’t leapfrog table toppers Lazio, who have won six and drawn one of their seven encounters. Victory on Thursday would mean the English giants would finish no lower than fourth.
Their late victory over Rangers last week means United are still unbeaten in the competition but that record will be tested by FCSB. The Bucharest outfit are just a point behind Ruben Amorim’s side heading into Matchday 8 and have lost just once in the league phase – albeit that was a 4-0 defeat to the Gers in their last clash with British opposition.
FCSB are without midfielder Darius Olaru as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery, while Mihai Lixandru is also in the treatment room with an ACL tear. Winger Octavian Pepescu has been missing since November and will be unavailable against United.
Former Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches, who wasn’t beaten in three meetings with United during his spell in north London, is doubtful to feature having missed the entirety of 2025 thus far.
FCSB predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Tarnovanu; Cretu, Ngezana, Dawa, Radunovic; Alhassan, Sut; Miculescu, Tanase, Stefanescu; Birligea.
Manuel Ugarte was considered a doubt for Thursday’s match after coming off injured against Fulham on Sunday but the Uruguayan midfielder was involved in United’s open training session on Wednesday. He could be involved in Bucharest.
He was joined by surprise returnee Luke Shaw, who has been absent since the beginning of December with a hamstring injury. It remains to be seen whether he will travel with the squad to Romania but United are likely to manage his minutes carefully.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs FCSB (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dalot; Amad, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
