Manchester United claimed their first Europa League victory of the season with a 2-0 triumph over PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday. Amad Diallo’s two goals not only lifted the Red Devils to 15th in the competition’s standings but also marked a successful night for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who continues to revitalize the team following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
United had struggled to gain momentum in the competition, drawing their first three group-stage matches. However, five minutes into the second half, Amad provided the breakthrough. The young forward rose to meet Bruno Fernandes’ precise cross, sending a looping header into the bottom corner.
PAOK, who arrived in Manchester looking to upset the hosts, created several chances but were unable to capitalize. The Greek side came closest in the 64th minute when Taril Tissoudali found himself unmarked in the box, only to misfire his close-range shot, which goalkeeper Andre Onana comfortably dealt with.
United sealed the victory 13 minutes from time thanks to Amad’s brilliance. The Ivorian dispossessed Baba Rahman, shrugged off a challenge, and unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the box. A slight deflection took the ball past PAOK’s goalkeeper and into the far corner, sparking celebrations among the home fans.
“It’s been a long time since we won in Europe. Today we showed why we are one of the best teams. It was important to win today,” Amad told TNT Sports after the game.
Reflecting on his performance, he added: “It is important to score every time. This season I have been unlucky, so I am happy to score two today. But the most important thing was to win.”
Van Nistelrooy, unbeaten in his three matches as interim manager, praised his team’s second-half response. “It was a pretty poor first half if I’m being nice,” he admitted. “The second half was better. That was clear. (Amad) made a difference today because of his goals, but he was very sharp. Well done to him, good game.”
Despite the win, United remain in 15th place in the Europa League standings with six points from four games, highlighting the challenges that still lie ahead for the team and their soon-to-be-appointed manager, Ruben Amorim.
For now, however, the victory signals a turning point for United, with Van Nistelrooy instilling renewed confidence and composure as the team eyes a stronger finish in the competition.
