Bucharest isn’t as cold as it usually is this year, shout out global warming, so Man United have no real excuses as they travel to Romania in search of at least a point from their final Europa League league phase game against FCSB on Thursday.
By Alex Roberts
It took a late Bruno Fernandes goal to secure an edgy 2-1 win over Scottish side Rangers in United’s previous fixture, a side who beat FCSB 4-0 earlier in the campaign. Sitting four places below United in eighth, it’s fair to say they’re punching above their weight.
A draw would likely see Rúben Amorim’s side avoid a potentially tricky two-legged play-off fixture, but a win would guarantee it. The last thing the Premier League side need right now is another spanner thrown in the works.
They have a history
For many, the name FCSB won’t ring any bells, but Steaua Bucharest should. The 1985-86 European Cup winners are, arguably, Romania’s biggest club, and the only side in the proud nation’s history to win a major European trophy.
They changed their name to FCSB back in 2017 after being sued by the Romanian army, who believed they were the rightful owners of the name, badge, colours, and trophies the club had won.
Led by Ilias Charalampous, they’ve earned some impressive results in Europe this season, notably beating FC Midtjylland, LASK, RFS, and Qarabağ ahead of their game against the Premier League giants.
A potential solution to one of many problems
Amorim has struggled at United, his side simply doesn’t have the necessary balance required for his 3-4-3 system, and one of the most obvious areas in need of improvement in central midfield.
Modern day Ebenezer Scrooge, Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears reluctant to put his hands in his overflowing pockets, instead preferring to increase ticket prices and inflict further misery on the hard-working people of Manchester.
The manager has scoured the youth ranks in hope of finding someone to help fill their midfield gap, and he’s found Toby Collyer. The youngster was fantasic in his full debut against Rangers, winning ¾ ground duels, making eight recoveries, and having a 94% pass accuracy rate. Perhaps the kids are alright after all.
The return of a familiar, and terrifying face
Former Tottenham centre-back Vlad Chiricheș could be in line to make his first appearance against Man United for the first time since leaving Spurs for Napoli back in 2015.
Back at his boyhood club, the big 35-year-old centre-back may not be playing for much longer, and will no doubt want one of the biggest scalps in European football under his belt before that day finally comes.
He had a fairly good record against them while in North London, winning one, and drawing two of his three games against the 20-time Champions. Now, he’s in a weaker side, but according to Amorim, this is the worst United team in history. Who knows what might happen.
Bereft of confidence
Rasmus Højlund is straight up not having a good time at United this season, but he has found some solace in the Europa league. Five of his seven goals this season have come against European opposition.
Goalless in his last 11 appearances across all competitions, the Danish forward is in dire need of a one, with many of the Old Trafford failthful losing faith in the youngster they originally thought was ready to compete with Erling Haaland.
Joshua Zirkzee hasn’t been any better, and much like Højlund, is unlikely to find top form any time soon. Progress in the Europa League, and qualification for the Champions League would be crucial if United want to improve their forward line.
Prediction
Like many of United’s games this season, we reckon this is going to be a lot closer than it should be. FCSB will take the lead, then United will score three goals in the last 20 minutes, and thus guarantee themselves that guaranteed last 16 berth.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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