Manchester United head into matchday eight still fighting for a place in the Europa League round of 16.
FCSB vs Manchester United best bets
- Manchester United to win – 8/13 with Betfred
- Both teams to score – 5/6 with Tote
- Amad Diallo to score any time – 3/1 with SBK
FCSB vs Man Utd odds
Find the latest match odds for FCSB vs Man Utd. All odds are provided by our best football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
FCSB vs Manchester United predictions
Have Manchester United turned a corner? The dwindling number of optimists among the Old Trafford faithful will hope so after a run of three wins in their last four games across all competitions.
United have also lost just one of their last six outings, despite facing away games against Liverpool and Arsenal in that time. Meanwhile a 1-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday moved them within four points of the top half of the Premier League table.
However, it is still too early to suggest Ruben Amorim’s side have put their woes behind them.
United performed well against both Liverpool and Arsenal, but those were mostly backs-to-the-wall performances – particularly at the Emirates Stadium.
United were then outplayed in a 3-1 home defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion, while they created very few chances against Fulham and relied on a deflected goal to pick up all three points. There is still work to do.
In between those two Premier League encounters against Brighton and Fulham, Amorim’s team beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League. Bruno Fernandes scored the winner in second-half stoppage time to see United rise up to fourth place in the 36-team table.
A top-eight finish is the objective for the Red Devils. That would allow them to proceed directly to the round of 16, bypassing the knockout phase play-offs.
Only a victory over FCSB would guarantee United a place in the top eight, although a draw might be enough depending on other results.
Their opponents are in the hunt too. FCSB are eighth at present, so they have minimal margin for error. A win would send them through to the round of 16, a defeat would almost certainly send them into the play-offs, and a draw would leave their fate hanging in the balance.
United have given themselves too much to do in the race for Champions League qualification in the Premier League, but a triumph in the Europa League would see Amorim’s side book their place in next season’s edition of the continent’s principal competition. Adding another trophy to the Old Trafford cabinet would be most welcome too.
United therefore have a strong incentive to take the Europa League seriously over the next few months. But before they can look ahead to the last 16, United must finish the job by beating FCSB on Thursday.
FCSB vs Manchester United betting tips
Manchester United head to Romania to take on FCSB in the final round of Europa League league phase matches.
Manchester United to win
FCSB in their current incarnation were formed in 2017 when Steaua Bucharest split in two after a dispute between club owner Gigi Becali and Romania’s Ministry of National Defense.
FCSB won their first league title in a while last season and they have performed well in the Europa League, winning four, drawing two and losing one of their seven games up to now.
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They should not be underestimated by Manchester United. After all, this is a team that has only lost one of its last 14 home games in all competitions.
Still, Amorim has significantly better quality available to him than FCSB manager Elias Charalambous and that should make the difference.
United can seal their place in the round of 16 with a victory on matchday eight of the Europa League.
Back Manchester United to win at 8/13 with Betfred
Both teams to score
Manchester United did not create a great deal against Fulham on Sunday, but it must also be said that they gave very little away at the other end.
United registered their first clean sheet in 14 matches in all competitions, but we do not expect them to follow it up with another shut-out on Thursday.
With 10 goals in seven Europa League games, FCSB are not the most free-scoring team in the tournament.
They have drawn a blank three times on the continent, yet the fact they need to at least avoid defeat means the hosts will have to take a few risks in the final third.
Against a United defence that still looks unconvincing in Amorim’s back three, FCSB should find the net.
Tip both teams to score at 5/6 with Tote
Amad Diallo to score any time
Manchester United supporters have not had much to celebrate this season, but the emergence of Amad Diallo has been one bright spot.
With six goals to his name, Amad is United’s top scorer in the Premier League. He shares that honour in all competitions with Fernandes, with each player contributing nine goals to the cause.
Amad has become United’s most productive attacker in a very short space of time, putting some of his more experienced team-mates to shame.
With the Red Devils not yet through to the last 16, Amorim should name his strongest possible XI here – and that group includes Amad.
Go for Amad Diallo to score any time at 3/1 with SBK
How to watch FCSB vs Man Utd
- Location: The National Arena, Bucharest, Romania.
- Date and time: Thursday 30th January, 8pm.
- How to watch: TNT Sports 1.
Read more about the 2024/25 football season
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- Premier League top scorer odds
- Premier League relegation odds
- Champions League winner odds
- Championship promotion odds
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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