By 90min | Created at 2024-11-07 17:33:08 | Updated at 2024-11-15 07:52:42
1 week ago
The positive feeling around Old Trafford will be put to the test on Thursday evening as Manchester United host PAOK in the Europa League.
The Red Devils, who have drawn all three of their European games this term, welcome the 2023/24 Greek Super League champions to Manchester with Ruud van Nistelrooy still in the dugout. Ruben Amorim, who beat Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, will take the job permanently, but not prior the November international break.
Van Nistelrooy will be keen to leave the Portuguese coach with a solid foundation of results on which to build, but a tepid 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend saw United produce a characteristically uninspiring display. Things must improve as they seek a first Europa League win against PAOK.
Here is how United could line up on Thursday night.
Christian Eriksen is back in training and could feature / Burak Kara/GettyImages
GK: Andre Onana - The Cameroon international has been markedly improved this season after a largely disastrous debut campaign in Manchester. He's been surprisingly busy in the Europa League thus far.
RB: Diogo Dalot - Dalot's future in a 3-4-3 set-up under Amorim will likely be centred around him providing greater attacking threat down the flank, something he hasn't always been able to deliver this season.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt - The summer recruit will likely thrive within the safety blanket of three centre-halves under Amorim and he will be hoping that the 39-year-old's arrival can kickstart his United career.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - With United in need of victory in Europe, the first-choice centre-back pairing should be retained for PAOK's visit. Leny Yoro's return should offer Martinez some rest in these kind of fixtures after the November international period.
LB: Noussair Mazraoui - Mazraoui was impressive up against Noni Madueke at the weekend and produced a confident display. How impactful he can be under Amorim remains to be seen but he's certainly unlikely to be used in the attacking midfield role that he took up against Fenerbahce.
DM: Christian Eriksen - Eriksen has missed both matches under Van Nistelrooy due to a minor injury but the experienced midfielder, who is in excellent form, should return to the starting XI as he chases a third Europa League goal of the season.
DM: Manuel Ugarte - Desperate for the arrival of his former boss Amorim, Ugarte continues to underwhelm following his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain. Another shaky display at the weekend will dent confidence in the Uruguayan.
RW: Amad Diallo - Marcus Rashford's disappointing form opens the door for Amad to make an impression. He has rarely featured in recent weeks but is surely due a start as United search for an attacking spark.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - The skipper missed the most recent European outing through suspension but heads into Thursday's tie in confident mood. Three goals in his past two games represent a return to form.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho - Consistency remains Garnacho's biggest barrier to stardom and Amorim will be tasked with guiding the young winger to new heights. Still, he can be unstoppable in full flight.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee - Zirkzee has often looked lost while leading the line at Old Trafford and still awaits a second United goal after netting on his debut. He may be offered another opportunity to break his duck in place of Rasmus Hojlund.
