Soccer

Europa League round-up: Wins for Manchester United, Spurs and Rangers

United and Spurs through to last 16 while Rangers go to playoffs

Kobbie Mainoo celebrates scoring Manchester United's second goal during the Uefa Europa League match against FCSB at the National Arena in Bucharest. Photograph: Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo celebrates scoring Manchester United's second goal during the Uefa Europa League match against FCSB at the National Arena in Bucharest. Photograph: Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images
Thu Jan 30 2025 - 22:39
Steaua Bucharest 0 Manchester Utd 2

Kobbie Mainoo set up one and scored the other as Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League round of 16 with a 2-0 victory against FCSB in Romania.

There have been some bumps in the road during a continental campaign that started sloppily under Erik ten Hag but ended with Ruben Amorim overseeing five straight wins.

United were already assured of a place in knock-out phase ahead of the trip to Bucharest, but second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Mainoo ensured they avoid the playoffs and progress straight to the last 16.

The Red Devils finish third in the new-look 36-team league phase having gone through their eight Europa League matches unbeaten.

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Tottenham 3 Elfsborg 0

First Tottenham goals for academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore clinched a 3-0 win over Elfsborg and secured the club’s passage into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Spurs knew a point would likely secure a top-eight berth and help them avoid next month’s playoff phase, but Ange Postecoglou watched two unlikely figures come off the bench and earn a precious three points.

Scarlett only returned to the club earlier this month from a mixed loan spell at Oxford but scored four minutes after his second-half introduction with a superb header for his first Tottenham goal on his 18th appearance.

Ajayi, a regular for the Under-21s, followed it up with a superb second six minutes from time before Moore grabbed a brilliant third in stoppage time to help Spurs claim fourth spot in the league phase.

It was not a completely positive night for Postecoglou, however, as while Micky van de Ven’s comeback passed by without note, fellow centre back Radu Dragusin was forced off in the second half.

Rangers 2 Royale Union SG 1

Rangers qualified for the last 16 with a nervy 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox.

Midfielder Nicolas Raskin scored his first goal of the season with a header in the 21st minute and fit-again winger Vaclav Cerny doubled that lead soon after the break with a drive.

Sebastien Pocognoli’s Belgian side, who started the night on 11 points, the same as their hosts, had their chances against a Gers defence and defender Kevin MacAllister reduced the deficit in the 84th minute but Rangers held out for the win.

Several other results had to go the Light Blues’ way in order for them to go straight through to the last 16, and they did with Rangers finishing in eighth place with 14 points and will take on either Fenerbahce, Twente, Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht with the draw taking place on Friday.