FCSB vs Manchester United: Live Stream, Prediction & Lineups

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Can the Red Devils Secure a Top-Eight Finish?

Manchester United will look to secure a top-eight spot in the UEFA Europa League when they face FCSB at the National Arena on Thursday. With both teams separated by just a single point in the standings, this game is crucial in deciding who advances directly to the Round of 16.

Match Preview: FCSB vs Manchester United

The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League campaign has been a rollercoaster for both sides. Manchester United remain unbeaten in the competition and have won their last four European fixtures, while FCSB bounced back from a slow start with an impressive four-game unbeaten streak.

The Red Devils are coming off a hard-fought 1-0 Premier League win over Fulham, while FCSB secured a similar 1-0 victory against UTA Arad, thanks to a Florin Tanase penalty. With momentum on their side, both teams will be eager to grab a crucial three points.

This clash will mark the first-ever meeting between FCSB and Manchester United, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

FCSB Team News & Tactics

FCSB manager Elias Charalambous faces a few injury concerns ahead of this fixture. Captain Darius Olaru is sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Mihai Lixandru (muscle), Octavian Popescu (knock), and potentially Vlad Chiriches (fitness doubt) could all miss out.

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup: Tarnovanu; Cretu, Ngezana, Dawa, Radunovic; Alhassan, Sut; Stefanescu, Tanase, Miculescu; Birligea

Manchester United Team News & Tactics

Unlike his counterpart, Ruben Amorim has new selection headaches. Manuel Ugarte is part of the traveling squad but remains a doubt for this game, while Luke Shaw (calf), Jonny Evans (muscle), Mason Mount (hamstring), and Marcus Rashford (indefinitely unavailable) will all miss out.

Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Lineup: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Collyer, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Amad, Bruno Fernandes; Hojlund

Key Stats & Facts

✅ This is the first-ever meeting between FCSB and Manchester United.
✅ FCSB have lost their last seven games against English opposition, conceding 20 goals while scoring just twice.
✅ Manchester United have won five of their six matches against Romanian sides, with their only loss coming against CFR Cluj in 2012.
✅ FCSB have lost just three of their last 22 UEFA Europa League home group-stage games (W11 D8).
✅ Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six away group-stage matches in this competition (W4 D2).
✅ Bruno Fernandes became only the second player to score 10+ goals for Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League, after Marcus Rashford (14).

Player to Watch: Bruno Fernandes ⭐

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Bruno Fernandes is the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield and continues to be a key figure for the Red Devils. This week marks five years since he joined the club, and he remains as influential as ever. With his leadership and playmaking ability, he will be crucial in guiding Manchester United past FCSB and into the Round of 16.

FCSB vs Manchester United Prediction

While FCSB have a strong home record in the UEFA Europa League, Manchester United’s European form gives them the edge. Expect a closely contested battle, but the Red Devils should have enough firepower to claim victory.

 Prediction: FCSB 1-2 Manchester United

Final Thoughts

Manchester United’s Europa League qualification hopes rest on this fixture. With both teams in solid form, Thursday’s showdown in Bucharest promises to be an exciting encounter. Who do you think will come out on top? Drop your predictions in the comments!