Ruben Amorim got exactly what he wanted as his side completed the job in Dracula's backyard as MUFC beat Romanians FCSB 2-0 in what turned out to be a pretty routine win in the end.
The United boss was hell-bent on not wanting to play two extra matches this season in those playoffs should his team have finished outside the top 8 which was a real possibility had things gone awry.
However, 3 points in Bucharest would mean his team would qualify directly into the RO16 regardless of what others did and that is exactly what happened.
Ruben Amorim rotated his team as we saw Collyer make a second straight start in this competition while both Eriksen and Malacia returned to the starting XI.
This was a team that I was a little suspect about as it didn't fill me with much confidence but luckily enough, the first half ended up being pretty drab and without much action. The only interesting thing that happened was a great opportunity by Mainoo in which he should've done better after he was fed by Hojlund after he displayed some brilliant forward play, something that hasn't been said of him much this season.
The manager then made changes at the start of the second half with Garnacho and Amad coming on for Malacia, who was having a poor game, and Collyer, who appeared to have a shoulder injury.
These two players truly changed the match as we saw a United that was more on the front foot and more threatening. Garnacho's first touch was a shot that hit the post. That was a sign of things to come.
The second half really was all United and eventually, they got their just reward as the most unlikeliest of players Diogo Dalot, got on the end of a great cross by Mainoo to tap the ball into an empty net at the back post. This was the defender's first goal of the season and came after he had to move back to LWB once Malacia was substituted.
Man Utd's number 37 was having a wonderful time out there and he then got his name on the scoresheet after what was some proper beautiful football played by United.
Some good, quick passing down the left saw Garnacho get the ball on the edge of the box before he cut it back for Mainoo who made no mistake this time round after putting his first effort over the bar despite being in a similar position.
Captain Fernandes also hit the bar from range and Casemiro had two decent opportunities where he should've done better. Yes, that same Casemiro who has become somewhat of a forgotten man.
But really, once Amad and Garnacho came on, we looked a different team and one that could score every time we went forward, something that cannot be said of the team in the first half.
2-0 was how it ended though and United came away with a professional and comfortable win.
Not only will Amorim be happy with the result and direct qualification into the round of 16, he will also be pleased with his team's second half display, the fact that there were no injuries and that it turned out to be a drama-free match, which is not something we see too often.
He would've also been happy that some players got minutes in the legs whilst others got a bit of a breather.
That is now three straight wins in all competitions which is something we've managed for the first time this season; that is two clean sheets in a row; and we remain undefeated in the tournament, the ONLY undefeated team in the tournament. Actually, the only undefeated team in the Europa League and Champions League 😳. That is a nice to have which could boost this team's confidence a little.
So a good all round night for Amorim and United.
Ratings
Bayindir - 6
Mazraoui - 6
De Ligt - 6
Martinez - 6.5
Dalot - 6
Collyer - 6
Bruno - 6
Malacia - 5
Mainoo - 7.5 MOTM
Eriksen - 6.5
Hojlund - 5
Garnacho - 7
Amad - 6
Yoro - 6
Casemiro - 6
Zirkzee - 6
Ruben Amorim - 7
Final Thoughts
You see INEOS. That right there is what you're trying to sell. Garnacho and Mainoo showed the co-owners exactly what they would be missing if they let go off one or both them.
They were our best players and the fact that they're so young means there's so much improving to come. We cannot be letting go of Garnacho or Mainoo, at least not now. They are brilliant players with bright futures and are the embodiment of who we are as a club.
INEOS needed reminding of this and I'm glad that Mainoo and Garnacho were our standouts.
Just wanted to get that out.
As for the game itself, it was a bit boring for the first 45 but the second is where it came to life because of Garnacho more than anyone else.
We maintained that control and possession from the first half but with a lot more purpose and threat in the final third and got the win we deserved.
Thank goodness we avoid those two extra games as we can now rest and train during that period, two things that we desperately need.
At least it didn't end up being a complete bore fest and we got the win as well. Let's now take this momentum forward as Palace on Sunday is another difficult game.
Background Image: Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho deliver brilliant performances in Man Utd's 2-0 win against FCSB | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)