Manchester United vs PAOK Report

Scorer: Diallo 50’, 77’

Manchester United 2-0 PAOK: Van Nistelrooy’s Men Finally Break European Duck

Mancester United ended their year-long wait for a European victory by defeating PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford, extending their unbeaten home record against Greek opposition to seven matches.

The win also marked Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first in Europe as interim manager, bringing a much-needed boost to United’s Europa League campaign.

First Half: United Struggle to Find the Final Pass

Desperate for a win to keep their European hopes alive, United took time to find their rhythm. PAOK, however, threatened early as Andrija Živković’s pass set up Mady Camara, whose deflected shot required Jonny Evans’ timely clearance.

The hosts gradually took control, but despite dominating possession, they struggled to connect in the final third. Rasmus Højlund’s header from Amad Diallo’s cross was easily saved, and other promising sequences fizzled out with poor delivery in the box.

Second Half: Amad Inspires United to Victory

Whatever Van Nistelrooy said at halftime appeared to work wonders, as United quickly found the breakthrough five minutes into the second half.

Bruno Fernandes delivered an inviting cross to the back post, where Amad rose to nod it home, breaking United’s goal drought in Europe. Buoyed by the opener, Amad almost doubled his tally soon after but was denied by PAOK goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski.

The visitors struggled to mount any meaningful response, but they did come close when Tarik Tissoudali found himself unmarked in the box, only to fire a tame shot into André Onana’s gloves.

United’s star of the night, Amad, was not finished; he capitalised on Baba Rahman’s mistake, intercepting the ball before driving into the box and dispatching a precise finish into the corner to seal the victory.

Conclusion: United Secure a Vital Win Ahead of Managerial Transition

With the two-goal lead, United cruised through the final stages to secure a crucial victory at the midway point of the Europa League group stage.

The win provides a positive send-off for Van Nistelrooy, whose last game in charge will be against Leicester in the Premier League, before Rúben Amorim takes over. For PAOK, the result leaves them winless in four group games, and they will look to turn their fortunes around in their next match against RFS in Latvia.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Man Utd vs PAOK | UEFA Europa League 2024/25