Man Utd is energised by the substitutes as they easily advance to the EL final 16 in Bucharest.

Following the introductions of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, Manchester United defeated Steaua Bucharest 2-0 to finish third in the Europa League group stage.

On March 6 and 13, United will play either Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or Midtjylland in order to move straight to the round of 16.

Before the unexpected halftime introduction of Amad and Garnacho revived United's stale attack—the latter hitting the post two minutes after his arrival—they controlled without producing anything in the first forty-five minutes in the Romanian capital.

Just before Amad's throw-in gave Kobbie Mainoo the opportunity to create space and send the ball through the six-yard box for Diogo Dalot to slot home the opening goal on the hour, Bruno Fernandes rattled the woodwork once more.

With Steaua only inches from tying the score, Daniel Birligea's rasping long-range effort almost overshadowed Fernandes' as it rattled back off the bar. However, Garnacho displayed his skill by picking out Mainoo with a cut-back that the midfielder smashed into the far corner.

Although Ruben Amorim and United won't know who they will play when their European adventure resumes until the last-16 draw on February 21, with their only certainty being that they cannot face Premier League rivals Tottenham until the final, that put an end to any remaining sense of danger for the visitors and guaranteed him the two free midweeks in February that he has long desired.

We must believe that we can win the Europa League, Amorim said.

Ruben Amorim was asked if Man Utd considered themselves among the competition's favourites and a possible first trophy under his leadership, given that they finished the group stage as the only undefeated team in the Champions League or Europa League.

"I think we can think game by game we can win it," he stated. "Then you have the responsibility, no matter the circumstance, you play for Man Utd thus you must compete to win trophies.

"At this stage of any competition, anything is possible."

Analysis: Mainoo excels in a more senior role.
Mainoo revelled in a more advanced role, playing as a No 10 from the start for the first time under Amorim, which supported his player-of-the-match performance in Bucharest.

The 19-year-old completed 39 of his 42 passes, had nine opposition-box touches, which is more than any other United player, and made one goal and scored the other in the 2-0 victory.

"He was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder, but now more as a No 10 you can feel he was so free, playing the ball near the box," Amorim said, adding that the adolescent has flourished in his new role because he had time to work with him. He excels at making little connections there.

"You need time to work with players to decipher what is best for them."

The final table for the Europa League
Following eight rounds of play, the Europa League has concluded as follows:

The Europa League knockout stage is when?

Playoffs for elimination: February 13 and February 20, 2025

March 6 and March 13, 2025, round of 16

April 10 and April 17, 2025, are the quarterfinals.

Finals scheduled for May 1 and May 8, 2025

Last day: May 21, 2025