Siyabonga Ngezana’s FCSB missed a chance to secure a top-eight finish in the Europa League after losing 2-0 to Manchester United at the Arena Națională in Bucharest on Thursday night.

The Romanian side, UEFA Champions League winners in 1986, entered the match eighth in the league phase table and needed a win or a draw to maintain their top-eight position. Their loss to Manchester United, however, allowed Scottish side Rangers to overtake them.

FCSB, coached by Johannesburg-born Ilias Charalampous, finished the league phase in 11th place. Despite this, they will be seeded in the playoffs to determine who advances to the round of 16. Manchester United finished third and were the only team to remain undefeated in their eight league phase matches.

The game initially suggested an easy win for United, as Kobbie Mainoo missed a close-range shot early in the first half. However, South African defender Ngezana was involved in two notable incidents in the first half. Mainoo flicked the ball over him inside the box, and subsequently, his teammate cleared the danger. He also shepherded the ball away from Rasmus Højlund, resulting in a brief exchange of words and shirt-grabbing between the two players.

While United dominated possession, FCSB remained compact defensively, blocking any clear attacking channels. Conversely, the home side offered little threat and failed to test United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır.

The first half ended in a goalless draw, but Manchester United increased their intensity after the break.

FCSB’s defense was caught off guard in the 60th minute when Mainoo delivered a cross that Diogo Dalot bundled home at the back post. FCSB then came close to equalizing when they hit the crossbar, their only significant chance to get back into the game.

Eight minutes later, as Ngezana’s club rued their missed opportunity, Mainoo scored Manchester United’s second goal.

Manchester United could have extended their lead further when Mainoo dispossessed Joyskim Dawa, but Højlund shot wide into the side netting from a promising position.

FCSB midfielder Mihail Baluta almost caught Bayındır out with a long-range effort, and the Manchester United reserve goalkeeper nearly fumbled the ball, conceding a corner.

Ultimately, despite a few chances for FCSB, United were never seriously threatened.

In the latter stages of the second half, Alejandro Garnacho backheeled the ball to the onrushing Bruno Fernandes, whose toe-poked attempt went narrowly wide.