Manchester United ended their year-long wait for a European win with a 2-0 Europa League showing against PAOK.
The Reds entered the fixture with three points from as many continental outings, holding aspirations of extending their winning home record against Greek sides to seven.
Anticipating a Premier League meeting with Leicester before the arrival of Ruben Amorim, Ruud van Nistelrooy is eager to ensure he hands over some form of momentum.
Three European points under the bright lights of Old Trafford will go a long way towards achieving this, with the side climbing to within three of the top eight in the new-look European format.
The Amad Diallo show
A front three of Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund supplied plenty of optimism among the home support before kickoff, with Marcus Rashford dropping to the bench alongside Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.
But it was the Greek side that went closest first through Mady Camara. Andrija Zivkovic delivered a ball to the edge of the box before the Guinean midfielder saw his deflected effort denied by Jonny Evans.
Old Trafford collectively held its breath.
United expectedly grew into the game and began controlling possession, but – as we have witnessed throughout the season – a lack of innovation in the final third proved costly during the opening 45.
The brilliant Noussair Mazraoui continued to impress, linking well with Amad, and Bruno Fernandes was his typically threatening self. However, poor decision-making and careless final passes were the themes of the evening as the Reds endured another goalless half of football.
Thankfully, whatever Van Nistelrooy said at the interval resonated with his players, with an immediate shift in momentum following the break.
His side took the lead after five minutes through the brilliant Amad, with the Ivorian heading home at teasing Fernandes cross at the far post. He could have doubled his tally moments later following a delightful ball from his Portuguese captain but botched his finish.
Despite their struggles to impose themselves, PAOK squandered a golden opportunity to level in the final quarter, with Tarik Tissoudali inexplicably missing from 12 yards following customary lacklustre defending.
Inevitably, the game’s most threatening player was not to be denied, and – following some exquisite battling in the final third – Amad dispossed Baba Rahman before carrying the ball to the edge of the area and placing a delicate effort into the net.
Make no mistake, this was a desperately needed three points for the 20-time English champions and provides a platform for growth in the competition ahead of a home time with Bodo/Glimt on November 28.
Furthermore, the brilliance of the young Ivory Coast international was highlighted with devastating effect, accelerating his claims for a starting birth.
Next up for Ruud is his final outing as interim boss against the Foxes on Sunday and the opportunity to climb into the top half of the Premier League table.
How do you feel about Manchester United following victory against PAOK as we approach the business end of the competition?
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