Player ratings: Man Utd book Europa League last 16 spot as transfer linked stars shine

Thursday, 30 January 2025 at 22:13

Manchester United secured their spot in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over FCSB on Thursday night.

After a goalless first half, Alejandro Garnacho was introduced at the break and almost made an instant impact, striking the post when through on goal.

Bruno Fernandes also came close, rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort before Diogo Dalot finally broke the deadlock, turning in Kobbie Mainoo’s cross.

Mainoo then doubled United’s lead, finishing off a Garnacho cut-back, ensuring Ruben Amorim’s side progressed to the knockout stages.

Player Ratings – National Arena, Bucharest

Altay Bayindir – 6

A quiet night for the goalkeeper, with just one misplaced pass in the first half. Rarely tested as United controlled the game.

Noussair Mazraoui – 6

Played at centre-back and had very little defensive work to do. Solid in possession but largely untroubled.

Matthijs de Ligt – 7

A comfortable outing at the heart of United’s defense. Dealt well with aerial duels and remained composed throughout.

Lisandro Martinez – 8

Another excellent performance. Showed confidence driving forward with the ball and played some impressive passes. Even attempted a direct free-kick.

Diogo Dalot – 7

Switched wing-back roles at halftime and was rewarded with a well-taken goal to give United the lead. Energetic and composed throughout.

Toby Collyer – 6

A steady but unspectacular 45-minute outing. Kept his passing simple but was replaced at halftime.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

Developing a strong partnership with Mainoo in the inside-left channel. Came close to scoring with a brilliant effort off the bar and looked at home in a deeper midfield role.

Tyrell Malacia – 4

Struggled once again. Produced one dangerous cross but also played a poor back pass, inviting pressure. Still searching for form after his injury.

Christian Eriksen – 7

Had a hand in Dalot’s goal and kept United’s midfield ticking. Composed in possession and made smart decisions.

Kobbie Mainoo – 8

A surprise selection in a more advanced No.10 role, but thrived in the position. Provided a perfect cross for Dalot’s goal before finishing his own move to make it 2-0.

Rasmus Højlund – 6

Looked more mobile and had a few shots on target, but never really looked like scoring. Needs to be more clinical.

Substitutes

Amad – 6

Played as a wing-back, but most of United’s best attacks came down the opposite flank.

Alejandro Garnacho – 7

Lively as always and assisted Mainoo’s goal. A key player United must not sell this window.

Leny Yoro – 6

Slotted in comfortably after coming on in the second half. No issues defensively.

Casemiro – 6

Made his first appearance since December 30. The slow pace of the game made it an easy return for him.

Joshua Zirkzee – 6

Limited time to make an impact.

Manager – Ruben Amorim – 8

Once again proactive with half-time changes. Deserves credit for deploying Mainoo in an advanced role, which proved key to United's improved performance.