Greek Super League challengers PAOK are the latest visitors to Old Trafford, with Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy relishing the prospect of a memorable Europa League evening.
With three draws from three outings in the competition under Erik ten Hag, United sit in 21st position in the new-look European table, with aspirations for a first continental win in over a year.
Thus far, Van Nistelrooy has guided his side to a Carabao Cup victory over Leicester and a draw in the weekend’s Premier League encounter with Chelsea, displaying all of the emotion that accompanied his undeniable talent as a player.
Three points against Razvan Lucescu’s side will go a long way to settling a host of European jitters en route to a series of manageable fixtures for the impending arrival of Ruben Amorim.
Fortunately, a favourable record against Greek opposition offers ample hope for the Stretford End, with a sense of expectation building ahead of Thursday evening’s meeting.
Team News
With media enjoying a 15-minute display of a Carrington open training session, Van Nistelrooy supplied an update regarding the fitness levels of several first-team stars.
Teen sensation Leny Yoro was a welcome sight for all, embraced back into active sessions by a visibly happy squad. The manager offered positive news regarding the Frenchman.
“He’s been managed very well after his injury in pre-season,” Ruud told those in attendance.
“It was obviously going to be a long one. Big moment, first time back in team training.
“He’ll be back partially over the coming weeks and we’ll look to get him on board as quick as possible.”
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire appear no closer to imminent availability, but Tyrell Malacia has accelerated his preparations ahead of an anticipated return.
“Tyrell is the furthest [along] at the moment,” the interim head coach stated.
“He’s been part of team training for a couple of weeks now, fully in team training with no restrictions. It’s good for him to plan game minutes, maybe in the under-21s, we have to see.
“Harry is still inside working on his rehab, Luke also does pitch work like he did today, and he’s progressing there to do hopefully partial team training soon.”
Unfortunately, there was no further news regarding Kobbie Mainoo or Toby Collyer.
This fixture will provide a historic first between the sides, with United earning victories in all six of their previous home meetings with Greek opponents through an aggregate scoreline of 20-1.
Furthermore, PAOK suffered defeat in five of their last six away fixtures in the Europa League and are without a win since a 4-1 victory against BATE Borisov in 2018.
Staggeringly, the Reds are winless in six major European matches – their worst run in over 40 years. The Manchester giants have never gone seven without a victory in European competition.
Action is set to get underway at Old Trafford at 8:00 pm BST on Thursday.
Can Manchester United end their Europa League woe under Ruud van Nistelrooy?
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