MAN UTD 2, PAOK FC 0-
Amad Diallo was Manchester United’s unsung hero as they secured their first win in European competition for more than a year.
The Ivory Coast international struck two super goals to give the Reds victory against Greek side PAOK FC in the group stage of the Europa League.
Amad, unable to command a regular place, has started only seven games this season yet has three goals and an assist to his name.
In another underwhelming display by the Reds, Amad was the standout performer. His goals were gems and you have to wonder why he is not a regular on the evidence of this display.
It was hard to believe this was United’s first win in Europe since October 2023 when they beat Copenhagen 380 days ago and only a second victory in 12 attempts.
Yet, they are unbeaten in four Europa League group games this season – one win and three draws – to lie 15th in the league table and still well adrift of the top eight who qualify automatically for the knockout phase.
Interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy lavished praise on Amad, saying: “He made a difference today, because of his goals but he was very sharp. Well done to him, good game.
“He has been incredible in training, he always trains well and is asking me to do more.
“He was our best player in the first half and in the second scored two important goals, the second one summed up what Amad is all about.”
Embed from Getty ImagesOf the game, van Nistelrooy said: “Positionally we weren’t good in the first half. We were much better at that in the second half.
“It was a pretty poor first half if I’m being nice. The second half way was better. That was clear.
“We had not won in Europe for one year. We spoke about it in the dressing room and addressed it.”
And on his final game in charge on Sunday, van Nistelrooy added: “For me it was important to get results. I can only be happy with the performance that the players put in.
“I enjoy it but Sunday is another one and I’m so focused on doing that so I’m not thinking of what is next.”
Diallo started for the first time since October 3 as van Nistelrooy made three changes to the side that drew with Chelsea.
Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount returned from injury to take a place on the bench, where they were joined by Marcus Rashford. Central defensive pair Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were also included.
As for the visitors, former United forward Shola Shoretire had to settle for a place on the bench as he returned to Old Trafford.
Shoretire joined PAOK in the summer after his United contract came to an end.
Former Wolves defender Jonny was included for a PAOK side second in the Greek league but had managed only one point from three Europa League games so far.
It was an uneventful opening until United carved out the first clear-cut chance in the 14th minute.
Casemiro whipped in a fine cross from the right to the far post when Alejandro Garnacho’s goalbound header was blocked and deflected for a corner.
Amad then crossed for Rasmus Hojlund who could only direct his header straight at keeper Dominik Kotarski.
There was also a VAR check for a penalty after Amad went tumbling after near the by-line as he charged goalwards.
Yet the Greeks almost stole ahead six minutes before the break when Mady Camara’s drive from the edge of the box was well tipped over by Andre Onana.
The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the restart when Amad found the net with a looping header back across the face of goal from Bruno Fernandes’ left-wing cross. It was his second goal of the season.
Amad was denied a second goal minutes later by a brilliant block by keeper Kotarski after again being released by Fernandes.
PAOK ought to have levelled midway through the second period when Tarik Tissoudali was put clean through but shot weakly at Onana.
Van Nistelrooy made a triple changes as Manuel Ugarte, Diogo Dalot and Garnacho were replaced by Eriksen, Martinez and Rashford.
United doubled their advantage in the 77th minute as Amad struck again. He robbed Abdul Rahman Baba and brushed past him for a second time before curling a shot high past Kotarski.
It was his last action as he limped off almost immediately to be replaced by Mason Mount. The final change in the last minute saw Hojlund make way for Joshua Zirkzee.
Rashford almost netted a third in stoppage time shooting narrowly wide after being released by Fernandes.