Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur make it to Europa League Round of 16

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have made it past the group stage in the Europa League in a season where both have struggled for consistency in all competitions. While the clubs have tried to significantly stride forward, they have gone two steps back after the win in recent times.

However, in the Europa League, Manchester United defeated FCSB 2-0, whereas Tottenham Hotspur registered a 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the competition. With these wins, both teams have qualified automatically to the Round of 16, reducing the fixture congestion. With this win, the hopes of these teams playing the UEFA Champions League next season remain alive. 

Manchester United overcome the Romanian challenge

To qualify for the next round of the competition, Manchester United needed a win against Bucharest outfit in the Europa League. Ruben Amorim rotated his side in the final game of the campaign with a change in personnel in the creative midfield. While in the first half, both teams fired blank, the Red Devils dominated the possession stats. 

In the second half, Alejandro Garnacho came close to scoring at the start of the second half but it hit the post. At the hour mark, Diogo Dalot capitalized on the delicious cross whereas a few minutes later, Kobbie Mainoo scored to make it 2-0. While the Old Trafford outfit tried to improve their goal difference, the ball hit the woodwork multiple times with the final score remaining 2-0.

Tottenham Hotspur comprehensively decimates Elfsborg

While Tottenham Hotspur are having a nightmarish season in the Premier League, they are enjoying Europe. In the game against Elfsborg, they dominated the possession and the attacking stats to make life difficult for the Swedish outfit. While the first half remained goalless, the second half was nothing short of madness. 

With 11 shots on target, Spurs made merry of the chances with them bagging three goals. Scarlett opened the scoring in the 70th minute whereas Ajayi and Moore added the goals in the 84th minute and deep in the injury time to take home all three points to finish fourth on the points table. 

What next for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur?

While both teams will wait for the Round of 16 draws, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will try to keep their momentum in the English Premier League as they face Crystal Palace and Brentford on Sunday. Both teams are lying in the second half of the table, which they would want to avoid at the end of the campaign.