Ruben Amorim makes bold Europa League claim after Man Utd secure unique record

Manchester United beat FCSB in their final league phase match of this season’s Europa League, with Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo scoring the goals away in Romania

Ruben Amorim set his sights on winning the Europa League after Manchester United confirmed their place in the last 16.

Second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo kept United on course for European glory and ensured they remain the only team to go unbeaten in the group stage. United are favourites to lift the trophy in Bilbao on May 21 and Amorim said his players should not shy away from the pressure to go all the way – because that is what is demanded of them.

“I think we can go game by game and we can win it,” said Amorim. “Then you have the responsibility, no matter the context, because you are in Manchester United so you must fight for winning trophies. So we will see.

“When you get to this stage of any competition, anything is possible and they can prove, on a good day, that they can win against anybody. So we can think about that [winning the competition.]

“I didn’t see a big difference in the way we play, but today we had more time to think and now you can see, in some movements, that the idea is there, because we have more time to play and understand the game.”

United confirming their place in the last 16, without the need for a play-off, means they can focus on the Premier League and FA Cup until they resume their Europa League campaign on March 6.

Amorim added: “That is really, really important for us, to have time to train, to create a connection between everybody, even the staff, everybody there in training, to go to the pitch and to know each other in the right environment. I think it’s really important.

“Then you can have one week to prepare for a game and you also have time to focus on the opponent and prepare for the game in a better way.”

Will Manchester United win the Europa League? Have your say in the comments section

United ended the group stage in third place, with 18 points, After drawing their first three games, they won the next five to end up below only Lazio and Athletic Bilbao.

Fellow Premier League side Tottenham also progressed to the last 16 directly after three late goals helped them see off Elfsborg in their final league phase game. Rangers are also straight through, despite their defeat at Old Trafford, after beating Union SG at Ibrox.

Amorim’s side will face one of AZ, Midtjylland, Real Sociedad or Galatasaray in the round of 16. Those teams are set to be handed their draw for the play-off round on Friday.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.