Amad Diallo’s two second-half goals gave Manchester United a crucial 2-0 win over Greek champions PAOK, boosting their Europa League campaign and providing a strong foundation for incoming manager Ruben Amorim to push for a top-eight finish. This victory gives United a much-needed lift in European competition.
Five minutes into the second half, Diallo’s flying header gave United the lead. He was the team’s most impressive attacker. Thirteen minutes before the final whistle, he scored his second goal, a brilliant curling strike from outside the box that sealed the victory.
PAOK’s best chance came when Tarik Tissoudali failed to capitalize on a clear opportunity from eight yards out, with only United’s keeper, Andre Onana, to beat. Onana also made an impressive save against Mady Camara in an otherwise slow first half.
After three straight draws, this is United’s first victory in the current Europa League season and just their second in their previous 12 European games. It will be Amorim’s first home game as head coach when they play Bodo/Glimt.
Even though Sporting, Amorim’s current team, just defeated Manchester City in the Champions League, United’s performance was mediocre. Nevertheless, the victory gives the new coach a solid foundation and points for growth.
Amad Diallo was the standout player, yet doubts remain about his consistency. He’s shown bravery and simplicity in his play, and doesn’t lose focus, unlike teammate Alejandro Garnacho, who sometimes overthinks his moves.
Captain Bruno Fernandes showed support for Diallo, encouraging him even when he overhit a pass, a marked contrast to his criticism of Garnacho for delaying a pass in the first half. Fernandes’ praise highlights Diallo’s growing importance in the squad.
Diallo’s first goal, a looping header from Fernandes’ deep cross, showcased his ability to capitalize on small opportunities despite being one of the smallest players on the field. Goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski was unable to stop the shot, which dropped into the far corner.
Diallo’s second goal demonstrated his strength and tenacity, as he muscled past Abdul Rahman Baba before curling a shot from the edge of the box. He’ll hope that the knock he sustained right before his substitution isn’t serious.
Amorim wants United to finish in the top eight in order to avoid the February play-offs and guarantee a position in the round of sixteen. Additionally, this would free up midweek training times, which would be beneficial as United’s calendar gets busier.
Amorim will play their first Europa League home match against Bodo/Glimt. They also have matches against Rangers, FCSB, and Viktoria Plzen. United needs to win these four games in order to move up from 15th place in the competition to the top eight.
Diallo made an impression, but there are still concerns about United’s depth as a goal scorer. Rasmus Hojlund struggled once more, missing a good chance to convert a header in the first half. Due to a dearth of reliable goal scorers, United’s future remains uncertain.
In his three games as interim coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy has guided United to two victories and a tie. This achievement can make people wonder if Erik ten Hag, the fired manager, could have accomplished the same things if he had been given additional time.
