Manchester United earned their first Europa League victory of the season with a 2-0 win over PAOK, thanks to two goals from Amad Diallo on Thursday night. ..Continue Reading
The first half at Old Trafford was relatively quiet, though Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro, and Rasmus Højlund each had near-misses but couldn’t break the deadlock.
The breakthrough arrived early in the second half when United’s No. 16 connected with a well-placed cross from Bruno Fernandes, sending a perfectly directed header into the net to give United a crucial lead.
Just fifteen minutes later, Diallo doubled the score in spectacular fashion.
The Ivorian international outmuscled Abdul Baba in the final third, cut inside onto his left foot, and struck a beautifully curved shot past Dominik Kotarski, sealing the win for United.
This victory over PAOK is the third of four matches under interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, fueling speculation about whether the Dutchman will continue at United after this period.
Reports earlier this week suggested that United’s players hope the 48-year-old will remain with the club, a sentiment André Onana has now confirmed.
When TNT Sports asked Onana and the players what they would like to see Van Nistelrooy say, Onana said: “100%. He’s a very good guy, a very good coach. Since he’s here, he’s helping us a lot.
“He has so much experience, and he advises us a lot. He’s doing amazing since he’s here, you know. Obviously, we have him [for] a few days as a head coach. He’s different, but he’s doing amazing. It’s fantastic what he’s doing, and players are happy.
“But at the end of the day, it’s not something we can decide. The club made the decision and we have to accept it. But this has to be between him and the club because at the end of the day, they are the ones who have to sit at the table and decide what is best for the club.”
Rúben Amorim, who will take over as Manchester United’s new head coach next week, will ultimately decide Van Nistelrooy’s long-term future at the club.
While the Dutchman has a two-year contract with United, Amorim plans to introduce several new staff members, leaving the futures of the current coaching team at Carrington uncertain.
The two are scheduled to meet next week when the 39-year-old arrives at Carrington, where they will explore possible roles for the former United striker.
However, determining Van Nistelrooy’s future will be Amorim’s first major decision before he meets the squad.
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