Man Utd vs PAOK: Match Preview & predictions
Man Utd vs PAOK: Match Preview & predictions. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Manchester United are aiming to secure their first Europa League victory on Thursday evening, as they host Greek side PAOK at Old Trafford.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy who will still be in the dugout midweek to see out the clash. The Dutchman oversaw a 5-2 thrashing of Leicester City on his debut in the hot seat, but the Red Devils reverted to type in an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend.
Amorim, who takes charge of his first United outing after the November international break, will be watching with keen interest as the Res Devils search for a first victory in Europe this term. Frustrating draws with Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce have left them in the bottom half of the standings.
PAOK, who are the reigning Greek champions after a stellar 2023/24 campaign, are unlikely to fear the previously intimidating Old Trafford, especially having seen Twente earn a hard-fought draw in Manchester on Matchday 1.
However, Razvan Lucescu‘s side have been even worse than United in the Europa League, accumulating a single point thus far. Defeats to Galatasaray and FCSB were followed by a 2-2 draw with Viktoria Plzen last time out.
Here is our guide to the Europa League clash at Old Trafford this Thursday evening.
What time does Man Utd vs PAOK kick-off?
Location: Manchester, England
Stadium: Old Trafford
Date: Thursday 7 November
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Referee: Radu Marian Petrescu (ROM)
VAR: Daniele Chiffi (ITA)
Man Utd vs PAOK H2H Record;
This is the first competitive fixture between Man Utd and PAOK.
Man Utd team news;
Man United have welcomed back several first-team players in recent days, with Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro having all returned to training, the latter, who is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Red Devils after getting injured in pre-season, will likely be eased into the action.
Bruno Fernandes is available midweek after serving a one-match European ban against Fenerbahce, but the rest of United’s lengthy injury list are expected to miss out.
The likes of Antony, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are all unavailable, leaving Van Nistelrooy in a difficult position when it comes to rotating his squad.
Joshua Zirkzee may be handed another start after Rasmus Hojlund featured from the off against Chelsea, while Jonny Evans and Amad Diallo are among the others who could come into the team.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs PAOK
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Eriksen, Ugarte; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
PAOK team news;
PAOK have a number of names familiar to United supporters, most notably young Shola Shoretire. The winger joined the Greek side from the Red Devils on a free transfer during the summer transfer window.
Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is unavailable for the tie, as he was not registered in PAOK’s Europa League squad. That also applies to ex-Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta and Portugal international Vieirinha.
Former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is out of the clash due to injury, but the likes of Jonny Otto and Baba Rahman are among the other ex-Premier League players who could feature in some capacity.
PAOK predicted lineup vs Man Utd
PAOK (4-2-3-1): Kotarski; Sastre, Kedziora, Colley, Rahman; Camara, Ozdoev; Zivkovic, Konstantelias, Taison; Chalov.
Man Utd vs PAOK score prediction;
The feel-good factor surrounding Old Trafford at the moment has already started to dissipate following Sunday’s meagre effort against Chelsea, but the smiles should be restored on Thursday evening. PAOK have failed to win any of their Europa League matches thus far and have struggled defensively both domestically and on the continent.
With United needing victory midweek, Van Nistelrooy is unlikely to make sweeping changes to his starting XI, although there are likely to be a few alterations. The Red Devils should find their shooting boots against the Greek side and record a win, even if they don’t run up a big a scoreline.
Prediction: Man Utd 2-1 PAOK
