Can Ruud lift the underperforming Red Devils to ensure himself a role at Old Trafford beyond this next week?
By Filip Mishov
United looking to maintain their home record against Greek opposition
Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s Red Army was roaring at Old Trafford with the flying Dutchman’s fists pumping the air in jubilation as Bruno Fernandes masterfully converted his penalty against Chelsea, but the Red Devils’ interim head coach better not get used to the feeling as the former striker only has a couple of matches left before Rúben Amorim takes over the reins next week. With that being said, Nistelrooy’s task is to get the squad back on the winning track, both in the Premier League and the Europa League, in the hope that such a feat can earn him a place to stay on in some capacity under the Portuguese coach.
Manchester United await a first-ever meeting against the reigning Greek champions – PAOK Thessaloniki FC, boasting an excellent record against Greek opponents in the UEFA’s club competitions. In 12 matches (9W, 2D, 1L) over the years, the Red Devils are unbeaten at the Theatre of Dreams against Greek opposition and have suffered only one defeat, to Olympiacos in Athens back in 2014, who coincidentally PAOK play next in the Super League, in what is one of the biggest games in the country.
The White and Blacks are standing firm in their bid to defend the title in Greece’s top-tier and the Razvan Lucescu-led squad are sat second in the standings, a point behind their arch-rivals, Aris. However, PAOK’s start in the Europa League’s league phase reads worse than United’s with a couple of defeats and one draw on board, leaving them out of the play-off’s places.
A familiar face may line up for the visitors
The hosts’ injury list is still bloated with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo all ruled out, but some of the players are set to return with Christian Eriksen and Antony spearheading the positive news, while Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount are back in group training and the trio are edging closer to a comeback, possibly only after the international break. However, the captain – Fernandes is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension due to getting sent off at Porto.
For PAOK, Razvan Lucescu has almost a full squad at his disposal with only a couple of players doubtful (Antonis Tsiftsis, Tiemoué Bakayoko). Perhaps most interestingly, former-United prospect Shola Shoretire, who rejected a new contract and moved to Thessaloniki over the summer could feature for PAOK. The Englishman is slowly but surely finding his feet and scored his debut goal in the Greek Cup last week.
Key player
Alejandro Garnacho has been Manchester United’s most effective player since the start of the season, with 10 goal contributions (6G/4A) in 16 matches (all comps), but the Argentinean wonderkid is beginning to look weary amid his extended playing time, as was evident in his decision-making during last weekend’s draw against Chelsea. Even though Garnacho remains Nistelrooy’s most dangerous player, it will be interesting to see whether the interim boss drops him after putting in one of his poorer performances in a red shirt. That is not to doubt the no. 17’s undeniable talent, but Ruud’s gamble with him staying on instead of Marcus Rashford did not pay off, and may have cost his side the win.
Prediction
After recording three disappointing draws in the opening three rounds of the Europa League’s league stage, the Red Devils desperately need a win to start climbing the table. Erik ten Hag‘s dismal record in the European competitions was one of the many factors behind his sacking, but his compatriot has a chance to improve on that, and enhance his chances of staying in Manchester with a victory. With United’s excellent record against Greek clubs, anything other than an extension of that would be a failure, and even though PAOK may not pose the same threat as Porto and Fenerbahçe, their passionate and loud supporters will fearlessly back them to cause a upset at Old Trafford.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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