Things don’t get any easier for Middlesbrough, who are fighting for their lives at the foot of the table, as Man Utd are next up for Gareth Southgate’s team.

Romania have named Razvan Lucescu as their new head coach following Victor Piturca’s departure.

Romania have made a disappointing start to their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, winning just one of their opening five matches.

Piturca’s contract was terminated by mutual consent five years into his second spell in charge, paving the way for the former Rapid Bucharest and FC Brasov man to take over.

Lucescu, 40, a former goalkeeper, coached Rapid Bucharest for three years, winning two Romanian Cups and reaching the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup.

“The board unanimously validated Razvan Lucescu as coach,” said the head of Romania’s football federation Mircea Sandu. “Contractual issues with Victor Piturca have ended.”

Things don’t get any easier for Middlesbrough, who are fighting for their lives at the foot of the table, as Man Utd are next up for Gareth Southgate’s team.

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