Manchester United picked up their first victory in the Europa League defeating Greek champions PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The Red Devils were in control for the majority of the first half with 58% of possession but lacked intensity with their goal scoring struggles continuing. Quality in front of goal has been a problem in all competitions for United this season – they have only scored more than once in five occasions this campaign.
Amad Diallo was the bright spark and almost got on the end of a ball across goal but was beaten to the ball by a PAOK defender. Shortly after the break the youngster got his reward with after rising high at the back post to head home Bruno Fernandes’ cross.
Instead of sitting back, the hosts pushed on and looked for a second. There was a strong penalty shout from Alejandro Garnacho, but a reply showed that it was just a coming together.
Amad’s continued determination paid off and he doubled United’s lead after 77 minutes with a beautiful curling effort to secure the three points.
PAOK’s best chance came when the ball fell to Tarik Tissoudali who had time and space in the box but could only fire straight at Andre Onana.
The win will give United a huge confidence boost ahead of the arrival of Ruben Amorim next week, and puts them in a decent position to qualify for the knockout stages.
Amad took his chance
Amad was by far United’s best player and opened the scoring with a perfect header at the back post. He is a fan favourite but has often been overlooked due to the talents of Marcus Rashford and Garnacho.
He took his chance tonight though – his first start in United’s last nine games – and single-handedly won the game with his two goals impressing both Van Nistelrooy and Amorim who will have been watching closely.
The 22-year-old was forced off in the final ten minutes though with an injury which fans will be hoping is not serious. His potential is great and if he can perform on a consistent basis then it won’t be long before he forces his way into the line-up on a regular basis.
United need a proven number 9
Rasmus Hojlund might be improving and Joshua Zirkzee is still settling in, but United have a big problem up front. The Dane has only netteed twice in all competitions with the Dutchman getting on the scoresheet just once.
United lack a proven goal scorer and it’s likely to be one of the first issues Amorim is tasked with solving when he arrives next week. Can a different system get more out of the current attacking options? Or will he be forced to make a signing in January.
While he has insisted he won’t raid his former club Sporting Lisbon, the form of their frontman Viktor Gyokeres isn’t going and he would be a welcome addition at Old Trafford.
Amorim has a big job on his hands
It might have been a much needed win in Europe for United tonight, but problems still remain. While a 1-0 victory looks convincing, United fell off towards the end and PAOK had chances to get back into it.
Against a stronger opposition that is a worry, and if the Red Devils want to go far in this competition then there will be much tougher tests to come.
Amorim isn’t naive and will be relishing the challenge, but can he be the one to finally take United back to the top?
The defence remains strong
United’s defensive abilities were questioned several times throughout Erik ten Hag’s reign, but it seems to be their best attribute at the moment.
While PAOK tested them in the second half, the back four remained resolute. The Red Devils have had to cope with a lot of injuries at the back this season and have been without a fully fit senior left-back since the campaign started.
The centre-back partnership of Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans was shaky at times tonight, but we’re talking about United’s fourth and fifth choice in that position.
Mazraoui is a huge asset
He didn’t line up as a number 10 tonight which United fans will be thankful for. But Noussair Mazraoui once again proved why he is a huge asset to incoming manager Amorim.
Not only is he solid defensively but his ability to pick out a pass and begin an attack is fantastic. He’s arguably had the biggest impact of all the new signings United made in the summer.
While Manuel Ugarte has come in and solved a key problem in the midfield, Mazraoui has been irreplaceable especially given United’s problem’s at full-back.