1
Manchester United face Greek outfit PAOK Salonika at Old Trafford on Thursday in Matchday 4 of the Europa League.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will hope to secure United’s first win of the campaign after the team drew their opening three fixtures which left them with a lot of work to do to qualify for the knockout phase.
United will be expected to swat aside their far-less glamorous opponents at Old Trafford with the interim manager expected to name a strong line-up in his penultimate game in charge.
He will will want to hand over the reigns with United’s front men in better form. The game will offer the Red Devils the chance to rack up a few goals and getting the ball into attacking areas quickly will be key to how many United can register.
Below-par quality in building from the back has lead to some catastrophic results this season but Van Nistelrooy has overseen a couple of decent results since the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
High tempo is expected to continue tonight with Casemiro and Manual Ugarte tasked with feeding Bruno Fernandes who will look to operate between the lines once more this evening.
The captain’s ability to pick a lock should result in chances galore for United’s wide men who need to improve their final action in front of goal to turn the tide on what has been a disappointing season so far.
It’s been feast or famine for United this term with a few big numbers registered in a handful of games but too often they have been found wanting in the final third, mainly down to the profligacy of the front men.
However, the quality is there and getting the wingers in one-v-one situations should result in them winning their individual battles.
Rasmus Hojlund will be keen to continue his excellent European record for the club and United should look to feed the Dane at every opportunity with cut-backs from the byline or early crosses from deeper positions.
His interim manager played with some of the greatest wingers to have ever played the game and Van Nistelrooy will be asking his wide men to provide the 21-year-old with chances against the Greek champions.
Defensively, United’s back line should be in for a comfortable evening with the protection offered by Casemiro and Ugarte but will still need to remain wary, especially during set-plays.
Matthijs de Ligt will be tasked with dealing with balls into the box as well as providing a threat from attacking set pieces.
Noussair Mazraoui was excellent in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend and will look to cause damage in tandem with the wingers and the same will be expected of Diogo Dalot on the opposite flank.
Getting the ball wide will be key to breaking down what could be a stubborn PAOK side this evening and if United’s wingers are in good form, it promises to be a fruitful night under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
