Amad shines for Manchester United
Manchester United 2 - 0 PAOK
Amad Diallo’s second-half brace handed Manchester United a crucial win over Greek champions PAOK, jump-starting their Europa League journey and giving incoming manager Ruben Amorim a real chance at securing a top-eight spot.
Amad was United’s standout attacking threat, breaking the deadlock just five minutes into the second half with a looping header into the far corner. The Ivorian then wrapped up the win with a curling shot from the edge of the box, 13 minutes from time.
PAOK’s best opportunity fell to Tarik Tissoudali, who couldn’t find the target from eight yards out with only Andre Onana to beat. Onana also pulled off an acrobatic save to deny Mady Camara, helping United through a relatively uneventful first half.
This victory marks United’s second win in their last 12 European matches, and their first of this season after a run of three straight draws in the expanded Europa League.
In three weeks, United will take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in Amorim’s first home fixture as head coach.
This result highlights the potential for improvement under Amorim, giving him plenty to build on with this squad.
Amad was class for Ruud's United
His efforts seem to earn favour from skipper Bruno Fernandes, whose response to Amad overhitting a routine pass was to offer encouragement. Fernandes was justified in his praise. His two goals were very different but both fantastic.
As one of the smallest players on the pitch, he can be quite pleased with his opener. Fernandes provided a deep cross and Amad looped it back into the far corner as PAOK goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski watched the ball drop in rather than attempt to keep it out. This was lift-off for United in the Europa League. Amad's second goal was even better.
He muscled a PAOK player off the ball 40 yards from the goal. He then ran to the edge of the area before curling a shot into the corner. A good night for the Ivorian and a good night for the United Interim manager.
