Amad Diallo scored a brace to put Manchester United’s Europa League campaign on track with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Greek champions PAOK at Old Trafford.
United went up the gears after a poor first half when it looked like we’d never find the back of the net. Amad was United’s most threatening player throughout and he came to life after the break to score two goals.
It was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s penultimate match as interim boss, and Amad repaid his faith with a match-winning performance to give United hope of qualifying for the knockout stages.
United drew their opening three Europa League matches against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce and they needed to get back to winning ways as a below-average PAOK side.
The win should’ve been more comfortable but we’ll take the three points nonetheless.
Andre Onana was made to work on two occasions to deny Mady Camara and Andrija Zivkovic. United only started to truly threaten Dominik Kotarski in the opposite net after half-time. In the first 45 minutes, he only had to deal with a tame header from Rasmus Hojlund.
However, United came out with more urgency and intent after the interval. Amad got on the scoresheet within five minutes, courtesy of a brilliant cross from Bruno Fernandes.
The Reds gave away a chance straight away as Taison fed the unmarked Tarik Tissoudali, but the PAOK striker wasted his opportunity on goal.
Amad went on to complete a brace and secure the win for United.
Europa League standings after Manchester United beat PAOK
The result means United jump to 15th in the Europa League table. They still have work to do to secure one of the automatic qualification spots.
Meanwhile, PAOK are 33rd in the table.
Serie A outfit Lazio lead the table with 12 points from four matches, while five teams share 10 points.