United took only one point from their last three group matches in last year’s Champions League and were eliminated. The first three matches of this season’s Europa League fixtures ended in draws, but finally there was a victory on Thursday.
Amad scored with a header in the 50th minute. From a cross by Bruno Fernandes, he started perfectly behind former Chelsea player Baba Rahman and reached the ball at the far post. It looked like he was trying to nod it to Rasmus Højlund, but the ball went into the goal before the Dane could get there.
United were clearly the better team at Old Trafford, but they lived dangerously when Tarik Tissoudali was left completely alone in front of goal in the 64th minute. Taison found him with a great pass, but the PAOK forward was indecisive and shot poorly, allowing André Onana to make the save.
In the 77th minute, Amad sealed the match when he won the ball from Rahman high up the pitch, cut inside, and shot into the goal from 17 meters.
Fortunate
Spurred on by a very lively crowd, PAOK posed a threat early on. In the 6th minute, Mady Camara sent a shot that hit the inside of Casemiro’s leg and left goalkeeper André Onana completely out of play, but fortunately for United, the ball bounced outside the post.
United appealed in vain for a penalty in the 17th minute when Amad went down in a duel with Rahman. The PAOK defender did not touch the ball, and there was contact with Amad, but VAR did not overturn the Romanian referee’s decision.
Two minutes later, Højlund won in the air from a cross by Amad, but his header from close range went straight to PAOK keeper Dominik Kotarski.
After half an hour, Alejandro Garnacho was played forward by Fernandes and sent a ball across the goal line. Amad was waiting at the far post, but Rahman threw himself forward and deflected for a corner.
Uncertain about the future
Ruud van Nistelrooy led United for the second to last time before Ruben Amorim takes over the reins. The Dutchman was brought to the club this summer as an assistant to the now-sacked Erik ten Hag. He says he would like to continue at the club but does not know if that will happen.
– I haven’t had contact with Ruben yet, and I don’t know when that will happen. I am concentrating on working with the team and leading the matches until he arrives, he said according to Sky Sports.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special interview segment! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with football expert Dr. Alex Renfield, who is here to discuss Manchester United’s recent Europa League performance. Thank you for joining us today, Alex.
Dr. Alex Renfield: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. United’s performance in last year’s Champions League was disappointing, finishing with just one point from their last three group matches. How does that experience weigh on them heading into this season’s Europa League?
Dr. Alex Renfield: Absolutely, that experience can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the players are coming off a rough patch and may have that lingering pressure and anxiety. However, it can also motivate them to prove themselves, particularly in the Europa League, where they aim to restore confidence and show their true capabilities.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of confidence, they started this season with three consecutive draws in the Europa League before finally claiming a victory. What do you think was the turning point in their latest match?
Dr. Alex Renfield: The breakthrough was crucial. Amad’s header in the 50th minute was a game-changer. Not only did it open the scoring, but it also shifted the momentum in United’s favor. The way he positioned himself perfectly behind Baba Rahman and connected with Bruno Fernandes’ cross showed both skill and awareness, which is essential in high-stakes matches.
Time.news Editor: Amad had a significant impact on the match. How crucial do you think his performance will be moving forward in the tournament?
Dr. Alex Renfield: A performance like that can really elevate a young player’s confidence. If Amad continues to build on this, he could become a key player for United in the knockout stages. His second goal, where he showcased his ability to win the ball back high up the pitch and finish decisively, illustrates his potential for being a dynamic threat as well.
Time.news Editor: While United controlled most of the match, they faced some dangerous moments, especially when Tarik Tissoudali had a clear shot in the 64th minute. How important is it for United to tighten their defense in matches like these?
Dr. Alex Renfield: It’s critical. Matches at the top level often come down to moments of indecision, like what we saw from Tissoudali. United cannot afford to leave opponents open in front of goal, especially if they want to advance in the tournament. Greater communication and proactive defending will be essential, as a single mistake can cost them dearly against stronger sides.
Time.news Editor: The atmosphere at Old Trafford was reported to be very lively. How much does home crowd support impact player performance in such high-stakes matches?
Dr. Alex Renfield: The impact of a passionate home crowd cannot be overstated. It lifts players’ spirits and fosters a sense of unity. The players often draw energy from the support, which can translate into better performance on the pitch. It creates an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, as we saw with PAOK in this match.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what are your predictions for Manchester United in this Europa League campaign?
Dr. Alex Renfield: If they can build on this victory and maintain their form, I think they have a solid chance of going deep into the tournament. They’ve got talented players and experience that can guide them. However, they must stay focused and not become complacent, as the knockout stages can be unpredictable.
Time.news Editor: Exciting prospects! Thank you, Alex, for sharing your insights on Manchester United’s recent match and what lies ahead. It’s been a pleasure.
Dr. Alex Renfield: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds!