Manchester United host PAOK at Old Trafford in Thursday’s Europa League match with Ruud van Nistelrooy at the helm for his second-to-last game as interim manager. Both teams are looking for their first victory of the current campaign and will face each other for the very first time.
Match Preview
Manchester United haven’t won a European game in over a year; their worst continental run since 1980-83, with four draws and two losses in their last six games. Lying currently 21st in the 36-team Europa League standings, United have drawn each of their three games, blowing leads against FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce under former manager Erik ten Hag.
Van Nistelrooy took charge after the Dutchman’s departure and has managed two games since his arrival: a 5-2 EFL Cup victory over Leicester City and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League. His next challenge is to try and put some much-needed momentum into United’s stuttering Europa League campaign before new head coach Ruben Amorim replaces him on November 11. United will be hoping to maintain their perfect home record against Greek sides, having won all six matches by an aggregate score of 20-1.
PAOK and their struggling presence in Europe
Such is the dreary start for either side: PAOK, back in Europa League action after a four-year hiatus, have only managed one point in three games. They began their campaign with losses to Galatasaray and FCSB, before finally managing a 2-2 draw against Viktoria Plzen, with the help of two late goals. Currently 30th in the standings, PAOK have won just once in their last 13 Europa League appearances, having lost five out of their last six European outings away from home.
Domestically, PAOK have made a strong start in the Greek Super League, where they are currently defending the title with 20 points from 10 matches, just a point adrift from leaders Aris Thessaloniki. However, Thursday’s United match can be a stern test as PAOK seek to avoid a third successive defeat against English clubs after previous defeats to Chelsea in the 2018-19 season.
Current Form
Manchester United Europa League Form: D-D-D
Manchester United All Competitions Form: D-W-D-L-W-D
PAOK Europa League Form: L-L-D
PAOK All Competitions Form: L-W-D-D-L-W
Team News
Manchester United
Manchester United, without several key players, have the following available: Kobbie Mainoo (hamstring), Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw (both calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Antony (ankle), and Leny Yoro (foot), though Yoro is closing in on a return. Mason Mount returned to training this week but remains a doubt for Thursday, while Christian Eriksen, absent for the last couple of games, will be subject to a late fitness test.
Bruno Fernandes comes back from suspension and will likely slot into his regular attacking midfield position, probably playing in support of either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee. Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and youngster Harry Amass are all fighting for a start.
PAOK
PAOK will be without some big names, especially former Liverpool centre-half Dejan Lovren, ex-Aston Villa forward Mbwana Samatta, and experienced captain Vieirinha, who have all been left out of PAOK’s Europa League roster. There is one injury casualty, too – Chelsea loanee Tiemoue Bakayoko – which leaves Mady Camara and Stefan Schwab contesting the spot alongside Magomed Ozdoyev in midfield.
Shola Shoretire, who spent a decade in United’s academy could also feature against his old club on Thursday. The 20-year-old winger has one goal in eight appearances this season for PAOK.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Manchester United Possible XI
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
PAOK Possible XI
Kotarski; Jonny, Kedziora, Colley, Rahman; Camara, Ozdoyev; Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison; Chalov
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 PAOK
With Manchester United having home advantage and an enormously strong lineup, they are the favorites to seal their first Europa League win. Still, that fighting spirit may just keep this match competitive until the final whistle in a PAOK performance.
