PAOK suffer major injury blow ahead of Manchester United clash as ‘most valuable player’ now ruled out

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Manchester United have appointed Ruben Amorim but are now gearing up for a pivotal Europa League clash against PAOK.

All of the focus around Manchester United has been on Ruben Amorim in recent days.

Amorim has been appointed as United’s new head coach after winning two league titles with Portuguese side Sporting.

United sacked Erik ten Hag last week and have moved quickly to secure his replacement in Amorim.

These moves have almost overshadowed Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea and it’s important to switch the focus to Europa League action this week.

United welcome Greek side PAOK to Old Trafford on Thursday night with Ruud van Nistelrooy set to take charge once again.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

PAOK suffer injury blow ahead of Manchester United clash

United really have to win this one.

The Europa League campaign has started with three straight draws against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce.

The result in Turkiye could have been much worse if not for an Andre Onana double save to bail United out.

United simply have to pick up a win this time and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be looking for all three points at Old Trafford.

PAOK have suffered a blow ahead of the game though as star playmaker Giannis Konstantelias looks set to miss out.

Konstantelias was ruled out against PAS Lamia on Sunday and seemingly isn’t ready to return.

SportDog in Greece report that Konstantelias is out of the plans for the United game ‘due to injury’ and will not be included in the PAOK squad.

The 21-year-old talent is a key man for PAOK and has even been picked out as their ‘most valuable player’ on United’s official website.

United seemingly don’t need to worry about Konstantelias this week though with the attacking midfielder poised to miss out.

• READ MORE: The eight fixtures Man Utd will play straight after each Europa League group stage fixture, as dates, times confirmed

PAOK results give United hope

United need a win and PAOK’s record this season will give hope of a home victory.

PAOK opened their campaign with a 3-1 defeat at Galatasaray before losing 1-0 at home to Romanian side FCSB.

PAOK picked up their first Europa League point of the season in their last outing, drawing 2-2 at home with Viktoria Plzen.

Baba Rahman’s injury-time equaliser rescued a point against 10-man Plzen and got PAOK off the mark.

This is the kind of team United need to be beating, especially at Old Trafford, and nothing short of a victory will be acceptable after a tough start to the European campaign.