FCSB vs. Manchester United at Arena Națională: Match Preview, Live Score, and Predictions

By Fulltime On Jan 30, 2025

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 20:00 GMT, FCSB will host Manchester United at the iconic Arena Națională in Bucharest, Romania, for a pivotal UEFA Europa League clash. This match is crucial for both teams as they vie for advancement in the tournament.

Match Details

Date and Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 20:00 GMT
Venue: Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania
Competition: UEFA Europa League

Team News and Updates

FCSB:

FCSB enters this match with a strong home record, having lost only three of their last 22 home group stage matches in the Europa League. However, they will be without midfielder Darius Olaru, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, and Mihai Lixandru, who is sidelined due to an ACL tear. Winger Octavian Pepescu has been unavailable since November and will also miss this fixture.

Manchester United:

Manchester United, under the guidance of manager Rúben Amorim, is aiming to secure automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League. The team is in a strong position, currently fourth in the league with 15 points. A victory against FCSB would confirm their top-eight finish, although a draw might suffice depending on other results. Notably, striker Marcus Rashford has been absent from the squad due to concerns over his training performance and attitude. Rashford has not played since December 12 and did not travel with the squad to Romania for this match.

Head-to-Head (H2H) Record

This is the first competitive fixture between FCSB and Manchester United, making it an exciting encounter for fans and analysts alike.

Recent Form

FCSB:

UTA Arad 0-1 FCSB (26/01/25)
Qarabag 2-3 FCSB (23/01/25)
FCSB 1-1 Hermannstadt (17/01/25)

Manchester United:

Fulham 0-1 Manchester United (26/01/25)
Manchester United 2-1 Rangers (23/01/25)
Manchester United 1-3 Brighton (19/01/25)

Match Prediction

Considering Manchester United’s superior squad depth and recent form, they are favored to win this match. However, FCSB’s strong home record and the absence of key players like Rashford could make the game more competitive. A 2-1 victory for Manchester United is a plausible outcome.

Live Score and Updates

For real-time updates and live scores, fans can visit ESPN’s match page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time does the FCSB vs. Manchester United match start?
- The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Where is the match being played?
- The game is held at Arena Națională in Bucharest, Romania.
How can I watch the match live?
- In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports and available for streaming on the Discovery+ app and website.
Is this the first time FCSB and Manchester United are playing each other?
- Yes, this is the first competitive fixture between the two clubs.
What is the current form of both teams?
- Manchester United has shown improvement with three wins in their last four games, including significant performances against Liverpool, Arsenal, and a victory over Fulham.