Manchester United v PAOK LIVE: Europa League group information and line-ups as Amad begins and Mount returns
Manchester United take on Greek side PAOK in the Europa League tonight at Old Trafford, with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side looking for their first win of this season’s European campaign.
United laboured to a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend, though this match against the Greek champions offers a good chance for a morale-boosting performance in what is Van Nistelrooy’s penultimate match in charge. United lie in 21st position in the competition’s league table, but while the Greek champions have been in good form domestically, they have faltered in Europe so far this season with only one point from three games.
Incoming United manager Ruben Amorim takes charge of the club on 11 November, the day after the league match against Leicester, and van Nistelrooy can do his successor a favour with an important three points in both of his remaining matches.
Follow the latest score and all the action from Man Utd v PAOK below.
Manchester United v PAOK – Europa League
A few pictures as the teams warm up before kick-off, with 10 minutes to go at Old Trafford…
Van Nistelrooy in the dark of his Old Trafford future
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is hoping to hand over the side to Amorim after overseeing back-to-back wins, with PAOK tonight and Leicester to come on the weekend, but the fan favourite’s future beyond that remains unclear.
The former striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer as one of Ten Hag’s assistants and had expressed his desire to stay at the club once Amorim arrives.
“I didn’t have contact so far,” Van Nistelrooy said. “There’s no changes in that. I don’t know when (there will be) yet either.”
Asked what the ideal scenario would be for him, he added: “I don’t know. It’s difficult to comment on that now. I’m waiting for conversations to take place. In the meantime, obviously the most important for this club is getting the work done on a daily basis and in the game coming up [tonight].
“It’s a European night at Old Trafford against the Greek champions, second in the league currently. Honestly, I have to say that I feel the responsibility to do well over the next week and that’s my job. I’m focused on that. As I said, I welcome Ruben, happy (to be) here to help and help him and that’s the situation for the moment.”
Andre Onana: I feel bad for Ten Hag
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana spoke up this week about the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag, who brought him to Old Trafford two summers ago.
“When I heard he was leaving, obviously I feel bad,” the goalkeeper said. “It’s not always easy for players to understand when a manager is leaving. But at the end of the day the club have to make a decision and we have to follow.
“Yes, I worked with him, he’s a good manager, I have a very good relationship with him.
“Why things didn’t work here? We didn’t win enough games, so it’s simple. In high level it’s not easy. Sometimes you have to pay the price. Unfortunately it was him. We did everything, the players gave everything, we worked hard, we tried out best, but it just didn’t work.”
PAOK confirmed line-up
PAOK XI: Kotarski, Jonny, Kedziora, Colley, Baba, Ozdoev, Schwab, Zivkovic, Camara, Taidon, Tissoudali.
Manchester United team news
So Ruud van Nistelrooy makes three changes, with De Ligt, Martinez and Rashford dropping to the bench as Lindelof, Evans and Amad start.
There’s good news on the bench for United and incoming manager Ruben Amorim, as Mount, Eriksen and Antony are fit enough to be on the bench following injury.
Manchester United’s confirmed line-up
The team is in!
Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Lindelof, Evans, Dalot; Ugarte, Casemiro; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, De Ligt, Martinez, Eriksen, Fitzgerald, Mount, Antony, Rashford, Wheatley, Zirkzee.
Man Utd will adapt to Amorim’s style, says Onana
Andre Onana is confident Manchester United’s squad boasts the quality and pragmatism to embrace incoming head coach Ruben Amorim’s approach.
The Old Trafford hierarchy acted swiftly by appointing the Sporting Lisbon boss last week, having unanimously decided to sack Erik ten Hag following a poor start to his third season in charge.
Amorim enjoyed the perfect send-off in his final match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium on Tuesday night, masterminding a stunning 4-1 win against United’s rivals Manchester City in the Champions League.
Onana was among those impressed viewers and believes the Portuguese is taking over a club with the ability to adapt to his demands, indicating his favoured high-energy 3-4-3 system could also work.
“I did watch the game yesterday,” the United goalkeeper said. “Great victory for them, by the way.
“Different system, but my players, my team-mates, we are all pragmatic.
“I think everyone here is capable to play in each system, so I don’t think this will be any issue for us. We have big players, so they will step up.”
Predicted line-ups
Man Utd XI: Bayindir; Dalot, de Ligt, Lindelof, Martinez; Ugarte, Casemiro; Rashford, Fernandes, Amad; Zirkzee.
PAOK XI: Kotarski; Castro, Kedziora, Colley, Rahman; Schwab, Camara; Despodov, Murg, Taison; Brandon.
Team news
Ruud van Nistelrooy has stated that United are still thin in midfield, with Christian Eriksen joining a list of absentees that includes Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer, as well as defenders Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. However, Mason Mount has made a full return to training.
Bruno Fernandes will return from his one-match European suspension, and the United manager will likely have similar options to those he had at the weekend against Chelsea.
The Dutchman could look to rotate ahead of welcoming Leicester City at the weekend, with Amad Diallo, Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee potentially all in line for a start. Younsgters Harry Amass and Jack Fletcher could feature in some capacity too, especially with United short at left-back and in central midfield.
For PAOK, former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has not been registered for the competition. Club captain Vieirinha is also ineligible, as is ex-Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta, while former Chelsea man Tiemoue Bakayoko is injured.
Ex-United youngster Shola Shoretire came off the bench for the Greek side at the weekend, and could feature at Old Trafford once more.
Is Manchester United vs PAOK on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Europa League fixture
When is the game?
Manchester United host PAOK at 8pm GMT on Thursday 7 November at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2. Subscribers can stream via the discovery+ app.