Manchester United will be targeting a first Europa League victory of the season when they welcome PAOK to Old Trafford this evening.
United, who have never previously faced the Greek club, will be looking to get their first European victory of the season on the board after recent draws with FC Twente, FC Porto and Fenerbahce.
Caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the Reds for the penultimate time ahead of new head coach Ruben Amorim’s start date next week and will be keen to maintain his unbeaten record after winning one and drawing one of his first two games in charge.
Below, our writers have had their say on how they think the Reds should line up for the visit of the Greek outfit this evening.
Tyrone Marshall:
United’s uncertain start to the Europa League means Van Nistelrooy has to go strong tonight. That includes picking the same back four and making sure there are no silly slip-ups in a must-win game.
Christian Eriksen is back in training and I would bring him back into midfield, given the goal threat that he has been offering this season. Manuel Ugarte needs the minutes to continue his adaptation to this team and Bruno Fernandes will pull the strings in front of them.
Marcus Rashford trained on his own briefly on Wednesday before joining the rest of the group. I would still see this as a chance to rest him, bringing Amad in on the right, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund completing the front three.
George Smith:
United are still incredibly stretched in the defensive department, particularly in the full-back areas, meaning Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui will start.
Eriksen trained on Wednesday morning, offering encouragement that he could be available for selection after missing the last two games. If he is deemed fit enough to start then he should, offering United an extra goal-threat from midfield.
Amad has looked bright off the bench in the last few games and is worthy of a recall to the starting XI at Rashford’s expense. The latter has struggled to impose himself in recent matches and a fresh face in attack could help United.
