Manchester United got their first win in the Europa League with a x-x defeat of Greek side PAOK at Old Trafford.
The game started fairly evenly for the first few minutes as PAOK fans made the most noise but Man Utd quickly imposed their dominance.
Amad was the engineer of that domination as he gave nightmares to the defence every time he picked up the ball, creating numerous chances, including one that should have been a penalty.
However, nothing happened for either team, and United frustrated fans as they kept missing the final pass or shot to add the clinical edge, both teams going into half-time on level terms.
The usual suspect broke the duck in the second half as Amad expertly guided Fernandes’ cross across the goal and into the far post. It was a just reward for his performance till that point.
PAOK ascended slightly after conceding and Man Utd fans had a deja vu experience of leads collapsing in Europe but Amad wasn’t having any of it on the day as he powered in United’s second through sheer determination and will to make the lead secure.
That is how the game finished as there was no late drama this time.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 7
Was called upon once to save a sighter from Camara which he did acrobatically.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Played on the left after some games on the right but struggled to make an impact in attack or defence. Suspect on aerial balls. Came off at the hour mark which was a judgment on his display as he usually plays the full 90.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Had some nice tackles but didn’t look assertive and composed in or out of possession. Better in the second half.
Jonny Evans – 5
Not better than Lindelof as PAOK, despite only threatening sporadically, looked dangerous on their forays forward.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5
Got forward nicely a few times but the final pass was missing, a theme for the whole team until the goals.
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Continued his run of good form with another good screening display in front of a suspect back four. Timely interceptions and combative tackling. Came off after getting booked.
Casemiro – 7
His name was chanted by fans as he continued his developing partnership alongside Ugarte. Broke forward a few times in a dangerous position.
Amad – 9
A goal or assist was the only thing missing from a complete attacking display in the first half, which came in the second half as he injected pace and invention into a tepid attack. Has to start going forward, regardless of the form of players starting in his place, he’s been that good. Fans will be eagerly waiting for an update after he appeared to come off due to an injury.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Struggled to be on the same wavelength as his teammates as his passes went astray repeatedly. One in the second half finally connected and he got an assist for Amad’s goal. Too helter-skelter in possession.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Bad performance on the weekend and not much better here outside of a pass that almost reached Amad and a header in the early stages. His decision-making is becoming a problem. Taken off for Rashford at the hour-mark.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Peripheral presence after an encouraging start. Probably can’t wait for Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 6
Not much impact after coming on but Garnacho’s display probably makes him a starter alongside Amad at the weekend.
Lisandro Martinez – 6.5
Added calmness to the game to see off the opposition and avoid another European collapse.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5
Played some nice passes from deep as United tried to control the ball after going into the lead.
Mason Mount – 6
Came on late for his return from injury. Needs consistent minutes to get going and avoid another issue.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Came on with the game nearing injury time. Made a great pass to set United on the way to their third but Rashford fluffed it.
Manager
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 7
Got United’s first three points on the board with the win and his treatment of Ugarte and Amad separates him from Ten Hag. It was poetic, then, that those two were among the best performers on the day.
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