Manchester United Advances to the Europa League Round of 16

Manchester United secured a spot in the Round of 16 in the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest on Thursday, thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo. Before heading to Romania, United knew that a win would guarantee their qualification among the top eight in the group stage of the competition, held for the first time in its new format. However, they struggled to create any significant chances in a modest first half. The introduction of substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo revived United’s performance, with Dalot scoring the first goal in the 60th minute. Eight minutes later, Mainoo’s smart strike sealed the win, extinguishing the hopes of the hosts and helping United secure third place in the group. The defeat sends Steaua to the playoff round. Lazio, despite losing 1-0 to Braga, topped their group, while Tottenham qualified directly for the Round of 16 with a 3-0 win over Elfsborg.