By Alex Roberts
It took a late Bruno Fernandes aim to safe an edgy 2-1 win over Scottish aspect Rangers in United’s earlier fixture, a aspect who beat FCSB 4-0 earlier within the marketing campaign. Sitting 4 locations under United in eighth, it’s honest to say they’re punching above their weight.
A draw would possible see Rúben Amorim’s aspect keep away from a probably tough two-legged play-off fixture, however a win would assure it. The very last thing the Premier League aspect want proper now could be one other spanner thrown within the works.
They’ve a historical past
For a lot of, the identify FCSB gained’t ring any bells, however Steaua Bucharest ought to. The 1985-86 European Cup winners are, arguably, Romania’s largest membership, and the one aspect within the proud nation’s historical past to win a significant European trophy.
They modified their identify to FCSB again in 2017 after being sued by the Romanian military, who believed they have been the rightful house owners of the identify, badge, colors, and trophies the membership had gained.
Led by Ilias Charalampous, they’ve earned some spectacular leads to Europe this season, notably beating FC Midtjylland, LASK, RFS, and Qarabağ forward of their sport in opposition to the Premier League giants.
A possible resolution to one among many issues
Amorim has struggled at United, his aspect merely doesn’t have the mandatory steadiness required for his 3-4-3 system, and some of the apparent areas in want of enchancment in central midfield.
Modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge, Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems reluctant to place his palms in his overflowing pockets, as a substitute preferring to extend ticket costs and inflict additional distress on the hard-working individuals of Manchester.
The supervisor has scoured the youth ranks in hope of discovering somebody to assist fill their midfield hole, and he’s discovered Toby Collyer. The teenager was fantasic in his full debut in opposition to Rangers, successful ¾ floor duels, making eight recoveries, and having a 94% move accuracy price. Maybe the children are alright in any case.
The return of a well-known, and terrifying face
Former Tottenham centre-back Vlad Chiricheș might be in line to make his first look in opposition to Man United for the primary time since leaving Spurs for Napoli again in 2015.
Again at his boyhood membership, the large 35-year-old centre-back might not be enjoying for for much longer, and can little question need one of many largest scalps in European soccer below his belt earlier than that day lastly comes.
He had a reasonably good report in opposition to them whereas in North London, successful one, and drawing two of his three video games in opposition to the 20-time Champions. Now, he’s in a weaker aspect, however in line with Amorim, that is the worst United group in historical past. Who is aware of what would possibly occur.
Bereft of confidence
Rasmus Højlund is straight up not having a great time at United this season, however he has discovered some solace within the Europa league. 5 of his seven objectives this season have come in opposition to European opposition.
Goalless in his final 11 appearances throughout all competitions, the Danish ahead is in dire want of a one, with lots of the Outdated Trafford failthful shedding religion within the teenager they initially thought was able to compete with Erling Haaland.
Joshua Zirkzee hasn’t been any higher, and very like Højlund, is unlikely to search out high type any time quickly. Progress within the Europa League, and qualification for the Champions League could be essential if United need to enhance their ahead line.
Prediction
Like lots of United’s video games this season, we reckon that is going to be rather a lot nearer than it needs to be. FCSB will take the lead, then United will rating three objectives within the final 20 minutes, and thus assure themselves that assured final 16 berth.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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