Manchester United ended their European drought as they defeated PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford, extending their undefeated record at home against Greek sides. Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, in his penultimate game before stepping aside, saw his men struggle through a cagey first half as Andrija Živković’s cut-back for Mady Camara had PAOK close to an early opener, only for Jonny Evans to clear after it deflected off Casemiro.
Despite being in dominant possession, United lacked any clear-cut final passing before the break. There was a promising cross from Amad Diallo down the right for Rasmus Højlund, but it became an easy catch for Dominik Kotarski, and that summed up a frustrating first 45 minutes for the hosts.
Van Nistelrooy’s half-time team talk had an immediate effect as Bruno Fernandes supplied a cross that was met at the far post by Amad for United’s opener just five minutes after the break. Amad was close to scoring a second but saw a leg save from Kotarski deny him. PAOK’s Tarik Tissoudali passed up a rare chance to equalise, firing a weak shot into the hands of André Onana.
Amad later seized another, dispossessing Baba Rahman to score his second, seal United’s first UEL win of the season. United next face Leicester before Rúben Amorim takes over for their UEL game against Bodø/Glimt.
