Manchester United 2-0 PAOK: Five things noticed, Rúben Amorim buzzing for two reasons

Five things noticed as Manchester United recorded their first win of the Europa League campaign with a 2-0 victory over PAOK at Old Trafford.

Ruud van Nistelrooy chose to start Amad Diallo as Manchester United faced PAOK in their fourth Europa League game of the season.

The tie started with both sides trying to create chances, although United were more dominant after 20 minutes. However, despite some decent half-chances for Rasmus Højlund and Alejadnro Garnacho, no goal came.

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs PAOK (Europa League)

As the half-time whistle drew closer, most fans agreed: United looked a little dull and drab despite efforts from some individuals. In the second half, United started strong, and it took a brilliant header from Amad Diallo to open the scoring on the night.

PAOK responded by increasing their attacking output, putting pressure on André Onana’s goal. Admittedly, they squandered a massive chance to equalise as Tarik Tissoudali failed to convert an easy finish right in front of André Onana.

With 15 minutes to play, Amad showed the world exactly what he’s about. Winning the ball in the final third by himself, the star player wrestled one man off the ball, cut inside, unleashed a brilliant shot with his left foot, and United were 2-0 up thanks to their star man on the night.

What a strike this was from Amad Diallo 😮‍💨

It's his second of the night for Manchester United 💥

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/g4uqrnAFo1

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2024

With United in firm control of the tie, the club looked to add a third before full-time,

#1 – Amad’s 10/10 audition

Amad was starting for United for the first time in over a month, with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford very much the current favourites in the right and left positions.

Against PAOK, Amad’s first 20 minutes established him as the best player on the pitch. He put in excellent crosses, dribbled well, and tracked back. The crowd loved it.

In the second half, he truly made his mark, scoring a fantastic looping header after Bruno Fernandes’ cross to the back post. Then, his second of the evening was even better, setting Old Trafford alight with yet another brilliant curling finish. He came off after 80 minutes to a big round of applause.

More than anyone, he deserves this.

#2 – Casemiro the controller

Since Erik ten Hag was sacked at Manchester United, Casemiro has played like a new person on the Old Trafford turf.

Also performing well just before the Dutchman had his reign cut short, Casemiro was the controller against PAOK, creating chances and defending brilliantly during a European fixture his side needed to win.

#3 – Three in a row for Fernandes

After a poor start to the season, Fernandes’ assist represented the third game in a row he was involved in goals, scoring twice against Leicester City and once against Chelsea.

As captain, he is an essential player for the team, and when he plays well, the level of every player rises. He was particularly creative against PAOK and looks to be improving in his overall form.

#4 – Onana continues his good form

While Casemiro and Amad will receive their deserved praise, Onana must also be given plaudits for keeping on his toes during a mixed evening for United’s defence.

He was not called to action too often, but when he was, he made crucial saves to keep the side’s clean sheet intact.

For all the stick he received last season, he must be given at least equal praise or more for his consistency so far this campaign.

#5 – A much-needed win

This was only United’s second win in Europe in their last 12 games, and it took multiple bits of magic from Amad to achieve it.

Regardless of how United won, the most important fact is that they won. After drawing their opening three games of the competition, they needed to get three points on the Europa League board and go three games unbeaten out of three following Ten Hag’s sacking.

The likelihood is that Rúben Amorim was watching, and he will be pleased for two reasons. One, he gets to see his team thrive in action to assess his squad further, and second, his side have finally made a positive mark in the Europa League as he takes over as the new head coach.

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