Diogo Dalot names two Manchester United players who changed the game vs FCSB

Defender Diogo Dalot felt the half-time introductions of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad gave Manchester United the spark they were missing in the first half of Thursday night's 2-0 win over FCSB at the National Arena.

United progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League with a fifth successive win in Europe through goals from Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo. The former opened the scoring on the hour mark, turning home Mainoo's low cross at the back post.

Mainoo then found the back of the net himself just eight minutes later to put the game to bed, sweeping home a first-time finish after connecting with Garnacho's low cut-back.

United had dominated proceedings in the first half, enjoying 69 per cent of the possession, but they were not quite ruthless enough. Dalot felt the double change head coach Ruben Amorim made at the break was key to unlocking the FCSB defence.

Dalot told MUTV: "I think the first half was just us trying to understand where we could hurt them. Obviously in the second half with Amad and Garna [Garnacho] we had a bit more of a threat inside the final third and were a bit more direct.

"But overall, I think we controlled the whole game. Even after the first goal, we conceded one or two chances that could have changed the game, but I think that was more through a lack of focus than from the opposition.

"Overall, I think we are really happy with the performance, the result and another clean sheet, which is also important for us. We have gone into the next phase directly, and that was what we wanted. It was really good from us."

Dalot's opener in Bucharest marked his first goal of the season. Arriving at the back post to convert Mainoo's centre, he now has ambitions of adding more goals to his tally from the wing-back position.

"It is sometimes that I think I can do even more," he added. "It is something that has to come, especially from our wide players, who have to arrive in the box at the back post.

"You can see how many players we can have in the box when we are in the final third, and I think that is important from us to start to understand. To score goals, you have to be there; if you are not there, you are not going to score."

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more TNT Sports Watch the Champions League on TNT Sports

The UEFA Champions League has entered the final round of the group phase and all 18 matches will be shown live on TNT Sports.

TNT Sports costs £30.99 on a rolling monthly basis via Discovery+ Premium and also includes the Europa League and Conference League.

£30.99

TNT Sports/Discovery+ Get TNT Sports here