Manchester United take on Greek side PAOK on Thursday night and that means a return to Old Trafford for one player.
Manchester United’s focus turns back to the Europa League on Thursday night as PAOK visit Old Trafford.
This will be Ruud van Nistelrooy’s penultimate game in charge of United as his run as interim boss nears its end.
Ruben Amorim has been appointed as United’s new head coach and will take over from Van Nistelrooy in the international break.
Amorim’s Sporting side beat Manchester City 4-1 on Tuesday night and Van Nistelrooy would love a similar result against PAOK.
United have yet to win in three Europa League games so far this season and really need three points as PAOK visit Manchester.
- READ MORE: Erik ten Hag’s prediction set to come true as Harry Amass tipped to make Man United debut vs PAOK
Shola Shoretire on Manchester United exit
PAOK head to Old Trafford having only claimed a point from their first three games of the new Europa League format.
This is the kind of game United simply have to win – especially with PAOK’s star man Giannis Konstantelias set to miss out through injury.
PAOK will arrive in Manchester with a former United talent in their ranks – and he will be desperate to shine.
Shola Shoretire decided to leave United for PAOK over the summer, allowing his contract to run down before leaving Old Trafford.
Shoretire recently scored his first PAOK goal and he will be looking to haunt United on Thursday night.
The forward has now spoken about his decision to leave United for a rather bold move to Greece.
Speaking to Makthes in Greece, Shoretire has admitted his excitement upon learning that PAOK would be playing against United.
Shoretire added that he simply ‘had to leave’ United to further his career, but he will cherish being a part of United’s history.
“When I found out that we will be playing here, I was very excited,” said Shoretire.
“It’s nice to be back at Old Trafford. My feelings were good, but it reached a point in my career where I had to leave and PAOK was an ideal choice for me. We came here to win and we will do everything for it. It’s a blessing for me to be a part of United’s history. I am grateful for that,” he added.
- READ MORE: Daniel Armer now spotted in Man Utd first-team training ahead of PAOK Europa League clash
How has Shoretire fared for PAOK?
Shoretire just couldn’t truly break through at United and it was little surprise to see him walk way at the end of his contract.
Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt once hailed Shoretire for his ‘immense’ talent but that didn’t translate to Premier League stardom.
Shoretire is now looking to establish himself in Greece but has endured something of a slow start.
The 20-year-old has played just 152 minutes of league action for PAOK across six appearances, averaging out to just 25 minutes per appearance.
Shoretire has also played just seven minutes in the Europa League, so a key role against United is far from a given.
The winger would no doubt love to haunt United but his move to Greece is with his long-term future in mind and he is now on his own journey to potential stardom.
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