Predicted Manchester United line-up to face PAOK in crucial Europa League game

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United continue the Europa League campaign on Thursday evening against PAOK with it being a real must-win for the Red Devils.

Ruud van Nistelrooy remains unbeaten in his two games as interim head coach of Manchester United – now he is gearing up to take charge for the penultimate time.

It will be a European fixture in the fourth round of games in the Europa League. The game has become a must-win for Van Nistelrooy and United due to the performances under Erik ten Hag – otherwise, elimination will begin to look possible.

United have drawn all three Europa League games to date which is only good enough to be 21st in the standings and therefore against PAOK at Old Trafford, three points are a necessity.

With United’s status in the competition likely on the line here, we would anticipate Van Nistelrooy to go slightly stronger than he needs, albeit still a rotated team.

• READ MORE: Europa League 24/25: Group Stage Draw Date, How it Works, Man Utd Potential Opponents, Full Schedule & More

How Manchester United could line-up vs PAOK

So Thursday night brings the third team selection from Van Nistelrooy and it will again be largely the same squad to select from, with few if any ready to return.

Leny Yoro’s comeback continues along the correct lines, as does Tyrell Malacia.

Additionally, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw all remain out.

Here’s how we predict Van Nistelrooy’s line-up will look.

• READ: Who is Ruud van Nistelrooy? Inside the life of Man Utd legend, including his PSV management and coaching career

Altay Bayindir

Starting in goal, despite Andre Onana being number one, Altay Bayindir started against Leicester and should also start here.

Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot has been far from his best of late but with limited options, we imagine he will start against PAOK on Thursday night.

• READ MORE: Who is Diogo Dalot? Height, Salary, Position, Wife, Kids, Parents

Victor Lindelof

Moving into the centre of defence, we would like to see Victor Lindelof handed the starting role here in an effort to continue rotating the squad and keep Matthijs de Ligt fit.

Lisandro Martinez

Partnering with Lindelof, we would expect to see Lisandro Martinez as he is unfortunately a victim of United’s injury crisis meaning he does not have a natural option to rotate with. Dan Armer and Jack Kingdon were in senior training but surely neither will be in line to start.

• READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine

Noussair Mazraoui

On the left we have seen Noussair Mazraoui start here under Van Nistelrooy so far and has been very impressive in the role – so should continue here, although Harry Amass is expected to get minutes.

• READ: Who is Noussair Mazraoui? Meet Manchester United’s new right-back

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte had a bad outing against Chelsea, but with Ruben Amorim’s arrival coming, he needs all the game time possible to get up to speed considering he should be key for the Portuguese head coach.

• READ: Who is Manuel Ugarte? Everything you need to know on Uruguay midfielder

Christian Eriksen

Alongside Ugarte, Casemiro could be rested after some brilliant recent displays, and Christian Eriksen, who has missed the past few games, is potentially ready to make his return. Perhaps we will see a Jayce Fitzgerald cameo debut.

Amad Diallo

Starting on the right wing has got to be Amad Diallo with the Ivorian’s minutes in recent weeks being far less than what he deserves after a bright start to the 2024/25 season.

• READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career

Bruno Fernandes

In the number 10 position, we would have liked to see perhaps a Jack Fletcher debut and this may come from the bench, but starting will be club captain and every present Bruno Fernandes.

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Marcus Rashford

On the left side, Marcus Rashford should be starting over Alejandro Garnacho with the Argentine in desperate need of a rest as his performance against Chelsea leaves him undeserving here. Rashford has been in strong form in his own right and should terrorise the PAOK defence.

• READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace

Joshua Zirkzee

As has been commonplace recently, Rasmus Hojlund started the league game, and so it will be Joshua Zirkzee’s turn in the Europa League. Van Nistelrooy has expressed his faith in Zirkzee, so a start here makes sense.