Manchester United’s young forward, Amad Diallo, scored twice to secure a 2-0 home victory over Greek side PAOK in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. This win marks United’s first in the competition this season and gives interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy his maiden European triumph, succeeding where his predecessor Erik ten Hag struggled.
United had only drawn in their first three Europa League games under Ten Hag’s leadership. However, five minutes into the second half, a well-placed header from Diallo, following a precise cross from Bruno Fernandes, gave Van Nistelrooy’s side the advantage.
Both teams were eager to claim their first win in the competition, with PAOK putting up a fight at Old Trafford. United’s goalkeeper, André Onana, was forced into action early on, stopping a shot from Mady Camara in the first half.
In the 64th minute, PAOK came close to equalizing when an unmarked Tarik Tissoudali struck a weak shot that Onana managed to save. Diallo later sealed United’s victory with a brilliant solo effort in the 77th minute. After dispossessing Baba Rahman, he powered forward, dribbled past a defender, and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that found the net.
Van Nistelrooy, serving as caretaker manager until Ruben Amorim’s anticipated arrival, has kept United unbeaten in his first three matches, reinvigorating the team following Ten Hag’s dismissal ten days ago.
