Manchester United secured their first win in Europe, not just this season but for the whole year, thanks to an Amad Diallo brace against PAOK in the Europa League. The 22-year-old was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch on a night when the Red Devils could’ve easily dropped points again.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s unbeaten record as interim coach continued as United grabbed three points in the Europa League for the first time this season, pushing them up to 15th in the table and just 3 points shy of a qualification spot.
Manchester United 2 - 0 PAOK
The Red Devils were held to three consecutive draws heading into this one, and it looked like they were about to drop more points today, especially after a very lacklustre display in the first half. Despite being the clear favorites to win, PAOK gave them a run for their money as they threatened a few times in the first half, with Andre Onana making a great save to deny Abdoul Camara the opener. Van Nistelrooy’s men had very little to show in the first half as they failed to create clear-cut chances except for a Rasmus Hojlund header and a Garnacho cutback to Amad Diallo, which was intercepted.
Manchester United came out better after the restart when they opened the scoring through a brilliantly directed header from Amad, who was in sparkling form tonight, assisted by Bruno Fernandes. The Ivorian later confirmed the three points with a brilliant curling effort after snatching the ball from the PAOK defender, displaying determination and tenacity, which the entire team has been criticized for lacking.
Van Nistelrooy's men had 12 shots in the second half compared to just four in the first. Despite the club being a victim of missing crucial chances, they were quite clinical today against PAOK in the second half with a good conversion rate after accumulating an xG of 1.21.
Manchester United vs. PAOK Player Ratings
MAN OF THE MATCH: Amad Diallo - 9/10
Amad was undoubtedly the star of the show against PAOK as he single-handedly won the game for Manchester United with a brace. A fantastic looping header and a beautiful curling strike sealed his status as the man of the match. He seemed the sole bright spot even during a frustrating first half. Not only was he brilliant on the ball, but he showed an immense work rate to help out the team defensively as well. The second goal in which he dispossessed the PAOK defender is the type of hunger every Manchester United player should have representing the badge.
Andre Onana - 8/10
Onana continued his consistent start to the season with another decent performance, making a crucial save in the first half to deny Camara for the opener and being very steady with the ball throughout the match, helping Manchester United with the buildup as always.
Victor Lindelof- 7/10
Despite very limited game time for Victor Lindelof, he produced a solid performance today, winning 7/12 duels and having a passing accuracy of 89%. When Manchester United were under pressure, he was calm and composed to deal with it even with the little amount of minutes he has this season.
Johnny Evans- 8/10
The 36 year old is at times the most reliable defender for Manchester United this season whenever given minutes. Despite having some shaky defensive moments, he maintained that today with a decent performance, dealing with most of the threats aimed at the United defense.
Noussair Mazraoui - 8/10
The Moroccan is proving to be a real bargain signing for Manchester United and could easily be one of the best bits of business any club has done this summer. The 27-year-old exhibited a colossal showing against Chelsea in the Premier League and followed it up with a resilient display yet again tonight. He was pretty solid defending the right flank and pivotal in the buildup, linking up with Amad superbly.
Diogo Dalot 6/10
Diogo Dalot had a nervy 90 minutes with him being caught sleeping on a number of occasions with poor positioning which almost led to PAOK score. The Portuguese is having a tricky run of games, as basic defensive errors are mounting on his behalf.
Manuel Ugarte- 7.5/10
The Uruguayan is slowly becoming an important part of the Manchester United midfield as he displays consistent performances. The 23-year-old is now showing why United paid €50 million for his signature as he continues to develop more and more in the red shirt, displaying sheer tenancy, work rate and expertise at winning the ball back. His partnership with Casemiro gives Manchester United a great defensive edge and balance to the midfield.
Casemiro- 8/10
Casemiro was not just at the heart of that defensive midfield area protecting the back four with Ugarte but was also crucial in orchestrating the play and becoming an extra man trying to create chances for his forwards. Despite the difficult start to the season for him, the 32-year-old has been in good form in recent games and is turning out to be one of the first names on the team sheet yet again.
Bruno Fernandes - 8/10
Manchester United's captain has been in fine form under interim boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy, with three goals to his name. The Portuguese continues to perform well, as he assisted Amad Diallo with his first goal with a brilliant looping ball that allowed him to direct it straight towards the PAOK net. It is always a pleasure watching the 30-year-old when he is in the mood, and he certainly looks to be nowadays.
Alejandro Garnacho - 5/10
The 20-year-old Argentine put up a poor display against Chelsea. He missed several chances that everyone would expect the youngster to score. The Manchester United fans and the media heavily criticized him. His poor decision-making tonight did him no favors either, and it seems like the young star is going through a loss of confidence.
Rasmus Hojlund - 6/10
Not much of Rasmus Hojlund was seen tonight as he barely got any service apart from a chance made by Amad with an inswinging cross from his left foot. When the young striker did get the ball, he failed to take any sort of advantage with it. Displaying poor weight of pass and got dispossessed way too easily by the PAOK defenders. It was not just not the Danish International’s night.
SUBS
Mason Mount - 5/10
Christian Eriksen - 7/10
Lisandro Martinez - 8/10
Marcus Rashford - 6/10
What’s Next for United?
The Red Devils return to the Premier League before the International break against Leicester City, which would be Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s last game as Manchester United interim manager before new head coach Ruben Amorim starts his era at Old Trafford.