Manchester United ease into last 16 as Dalot and Mainoo see off Steaua

Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League last 16 with a confident 2-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest in Romania. Goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo ensured Ruben Amorim’s side avoided a dreaded playoff round and could now focus on climbing the Premier League table.

It was a crucial win for United, marking their third consecutive victory under Amorim—the first time the team has managed such a streak this season. With the club still finding its rhythm under the Portuguese tactician, the performance in Bucharest was a promising step forward.

The breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Mainoo, who had been lively throughout the game, delivered a precise cross for Dalot to fire home. Just eight minutes later, the 18-year-old midfielder found himself in the right place at the right time, converting Alejandro Garnacho’s pass to double United’s lead.

For Amorim, the result not only provided a morale boost but also eased the pressure ahead of a challenging run of fixtures. Speaking after the game, he stressed the importance of taking things one step at a time: “We can, game-by-game, win it. At this stage of any competition, anything is possible.”

Mainoo has had limited game time under Amorim but showcased his talent with a standout performance. The United manager acknowledged the young midfielder’s development, stating, “He was struggling a lot defensively, but tonight he showed how crucial he can be for us.”

The match had started as a test of United’s depth, with Amorim handing starts to Toby Collyer, Altay Bayindir, and Tyrell Malacia. The latter, however, had a nervy moment when he brought down Florin Tanase, earning himself a booking. From the resulting free-kick, Steaua nearly punished United’s shaky defense, but Mihai Popescu failed to hit the target.

United’s attack, while dominant, initially lacked cutting edge. Rasmus Højlund, struggling for consistency this season, found himself isolated in the early exchanges. A promising moment saw the Danish striker get on the end of a Christian Eriksen free-kick, only for his weak header to drift harmlessly wide.

Despite a slow start, United gradually found their rhythm. Eriksen tested the Steaua goalkeeper with a powerful strike, while Garnacho’s introduction at halftime injected urgency into the attack. The Argentine winger nearly scored within minutes of coming on, hitting the post after capitalizing on a defensive error.

Højlund’s struggles continued, as he squandered a free header from a well-placed Eriksen delivery. The Dane’s lack of confidence in front of goal was evident, a concerning sign for United as they push for European success.

However, when United finally broke the deadlock through Dalot, their momentum surged. The Portuguese wing-back’s celebration in front of the traveling fans underscored the importance of the goal, as it effectively put United in control.

Mainoo’s goal moments later sealed the win, marking a memorable night for the teenager. His composed finish reflected his growing maturity, and with performances like this, Amorim may be forced to reconsider his role in the squad moving forward.

With the victory, United now await Friday’s draw to determine their next opponents. They could face the likes of Midtjylland, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad, or Galatasaray in the next round. Winning the Europa League remains one of the club’s best chances of securing Champions League football next season, making each knockout round increasingly vital.

Meanwhile, Amorim must also prepare his side for a tricky Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday. United have been inconsistent domestically, and the manager will hope the momentum from their European success can carry over.

For now, though, United fans can celebrate a professional and disciplined performance. After a turbulent season, Amorim’s side finally appears to be building some stability. With Dalot and Mainoo stepping up on the big stage, United supporters will hope this is just the beginning of a strong run in the competition.

With the knockout stages looming, the Red Devils still have work to do, but the signs are promising. If Mainoo and Garnacho continue to flourish, and if Amorim can find a way to get the best out of Højlund, Manchester United may just find themselves making a deep run in the Europa League.