Manchester United secured their spot in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-0 win against FCSB in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, maintaining their unbeaten record in the process
Delighted Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim hailed substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s impact as they secured direct qualification to the Europa League last 16.
The Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners in Bucharest against FCSB, with second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo separating the sides. But what made the difference was Garnacho’s introduction at half-time, as the winger gave United a different dimension with his pace and dribbling; assisting Mainoo’s goal and hitting the post with an effort of his own.
Garnacho, 20, completed five dribbles in the second half, more than any other player in the entire 90 minutes. His electric performance came amid links of a transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea, who are weighing up a move before deadline day on Monday, February 3.
Asked by TNT Sports whether fellow Garnacho and fellow half-time substitute Amad changed the game, Amorim replied: “Not entirely the game but … in the first half, they ran a lot to cover all the spaces, then you feel that in the second half, the opponent also gets tired and it’s for the guys that come in.
“But, of course, Garna has a different pace and is more like a forward, a winger, he’s different from Chris (Christian Eriksen) who was playing in that position. Amad is really good on one-against-one and can push players to defend with him, open more space. It was good work from everybody.”
Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson described Garnacho as the ‘difference’. “Alejandro Garnacho, last week against Rangers and tonight, made the difference,” Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The system looked like it worked and with Garnacho in that 10 role Ruben Amorim allows him to drift wide. There is some flexibility drifting into the system.”
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Amorim was most pleased with the fact United won’t have to go through the play-offs and are already in the last 16, giving them free two midweeks next month. “That is really important for us to have time to train and have the connection between everybody – even the staff,” the Portuguese added.
“In training we go to the pitch and get to know each other in the right environment. It is really important and then you can have one week to prepare again. Beginning of the week you can work your ideas and then have time to focus on the opponent.”
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