Manchester United finally got their first win in the UEFA Europa League after defeating PAOK 2-0 on Thursday night.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Manchester United 2-0 PAOK
Date: 07 November 2024
Venue: Old Trafford
Interim coach Ruud van Nistlerooy made three changes from the draw with Chelsea, as Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf were handed starts in place of Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.
The Red Devils dominated possession in the early stages of the first half and managed to carve out two chances in the opening 20 minutes, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund seeing their headers saved.
PAOK nearly got the opening goal against the run of play in the 38th minute after Mady Camara did well to bring a cross before unleashing a powerful strike that forced goalkeeper Andre Onana into a fine save.
The visitors, however, were lucky not to have found themselves behind before the interval as the Red Devils had let themselves down with their decision-making in the final third.
United got the breakthrough five minutes into the second half when Bruno Fernandes did well to pick out Diallo, who sent a looping header into the far post for his second goal of the season.
PAOK should have levelled matters after 63 minutes after the United defence was caught napping and allowed Tarik Tissoudali to sneak in the box, but the forward fired straight at Onana under no pressure.
However, United made the game safe with 15 minutes to play as Diallo won possession high up from Abdul Rahman Baba and surged towards goal before sending a curling effort into the far corner.
Van Nistleroory's final game as interim manager will come against Leicester City on Sunday, before new coach Ruben Amorim takes charge from 11 November.
