Manchester United secured their place in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 with a commanding 2-0 victory over FCSB on January 31. Goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot sealed the win, ensuring United finished third in the league phase standings with 18 points. Despite an inconsistent Premier League campaign, Ruben Amorim’s side have been in stellar form in Europe, extending their unbeaten run in the competition with a fifth consecutive victory.

United’s dominance in the Europa League has been a stark contrast to their struggles in domestic football. While the Red Devils currently sit 12th in the Premier League with 29 points, Amorim is determined to channel his team’s European success into silverware. Speaking after the match, the United coach emphasised his squad’s “game-by-game” approach and stressed that winning the Europa League is now a key objective.

“The idea is there because we have more time to play, to understand the game. I think we can go game by game and we can win it,” Amorim said.

“Then you have the responsibility, no matter what, no matter the context, you are in Manchester United so you must fight for winning trophies, so we will see…When you get to this stage of any competition, anything is possible and they can prove that in a good day, they can win against anybody, so we can think about that,” he added.

Mainoo’s breakthrough goal in the 60th minute set the tone for United’s triumph, and Dalot doubled the lead just eight minutes later, securing their progression to the knockout rounds. The result means United will now face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or FC Midtjylland in the last 16.

With European momentum on their side, Amorim will also be eager to spark a turnaround in the Premier League. While their domestic form has been underwhelming, United’s performances in Europe suggest they are a force to be reckoned with as they set their sights on Europa League glory.