Ruben Amorim reacts as Manchester United secure Europa League boost ahead of Tottenham and Everton trips | OneFootball

The Red Devils finished the League Phase in the Europa League unbeaten

Ruben Amorim says avoiding a two-legged Europa League playoff is the “biggest thing” to come from Manchester United’s win over FCSB.

However, the reward for a top eight finish was progression straight through to the last 16.

Following a below-par first-half, the Red Devils found their groove in the second half and emerged victorious thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo.

Two less games will be music to Amorim’s ears given he’s not had much time on the training field since taking charge, although that will soon change with a couple of free midweek slots on the horizon.

"That is the biggest thing, more than the win is to have time to train, to have time to recover the players for playing in the Premier League,” he told TNT Sports after the win over FCSB. "That is a key point for us."

The Europa League playoff round draw will take place on Friday, January 31. The first leg of those ties will be played on February 13, with the return fixtures a week later.

United have difficult matches away at Tottenham and Everton in between those dates but have been boosted by the fact they’ll have a full week to prepare for trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Goodison Park.