Manchester United vs PAOK

Watch Manchester United vs PAOK Full Match Replay

KICK-OFF: 20:15 (UTC) on November 6, 2024
Referee: C. Turpin
Venue: Old Trafford

This is a match in Europe – UEFA Champions League 2024/2025, League Stage.

Amad Inspires United’s First European Win of the Season

Manchester United finally secured their first European victory of the season, defeating PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford. With this win, they maintained their unbeaten record against Greek teams at home, extending the streak to seven matches. This result also brought a positive note to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief tenure as interim manager, just before he steps down this weekend.

First Half: United Struggle to Capitalize

United were eager to break their European drought, but it was PAOK who had the first big chance. Andrija Živković set up Mady Camara for a shot at the edge of the box, which deflected off Casemiro and almost slipped past United’s goalkeeper André Onana. Jonny Evans, however, was quick to clear the danger. After a shaky start, United took control, maintaining possession and creating some promising moves, though their final touch was lacking. A header from Ramus Højlund, courtesy of an Amad Diallo cross, was easily saved by PAOK’s Dominik Kotarski. The home side continued to dominate but struggled to break the deadlock, with their final ball falling short.

Second Half: Amad Leads United to Victory

Van Nistelrooy’s halftime words appeared to galvanize United, as they struck just five minutes after the break. A well-placed cross from Bruno Fernandes found Amad, who headed it past Kotarski to give United the lead. The Ivorian winger was United’s brightest spark and nearly added a second, but Kotarski managed to block his effort. While PAOK threatened briefly, particularly when Tarik Tissoudali found himself unmarked in the box, Onana easily handled the shot.

Amad sealed the win with a superb second goal, dispossessing Baba Rahman and finishing with precision into the corner. With a comfortable two-goal advantage, United controlled the remaining minutes of the match, securing a much-needed win as they reach the halfway point of the UEL league phase.

As Van Nistelrooy prepares for his final game in charge against Leicester, United’s European hopes seem renewed. They’ll welcome incoming manager Rúben Amorim for their next UEL clash with Bodø/Glimt, while PAOK, winless in four matches, faces RFS in Latvia as they look to salvage their campaign.