Manchester United has ended a year-long wait for a European win with a thrilling victory over PAOK. After three consecutive draws in this season’s Europa League and a disappointing campaign in last year’s Champions League, Amad Diallo’s standout performance led United to a much-needed win, bringing an end to their 380-day drought since a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford.
Amad Diallo’s Heroic Performance Ends United’s Struggles
Diallo’s impact was clear as he delivered two memorable goals. His first, a smart header in the 50th minute, gave United the lead. Shortly after, Diallo showed his skill and tenacity by dispossessing PAOK defender Abdul Baba and firing a powerful shot that deflected into the left corner. United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, praised Diallo’s display, saying, “The second goal had everything in it that for me is Amad Diallo. He fought to take the ball off the PAOK defender, pushed through to get the shot, and had the quality to curl it around the goalkeeper.”
United’s Initial Struggles Against PAOK
Despite the final result, United had difficulty controlling the game early on. PAOK, organized in a 4-2-3-1 formation by coach Razvan Lucescu, presented a challenging opponent, with Mady Camara operating as their creative playmaker. Camara, PAOK’s equivalent of Bruno Fernandes, consistently found gaps in United’s defense, creating opportunities and causing trouble in the midfield. This pressure hinted at United’s recurring issues in managing possession and finishing in the final third.
Dominance in Possession but Missed Opportunities
Manchester United held an impressive 65% possession throughout the match, yet struggled to convert that control into goals. Alejandro Garnacho’s attempts to connect with teammates in PAOK’s area often fell short, and United missed several chances, especially in the first half. Diallo was United’s brightest player, repeatedly testing PAOK’s defense. A notable moment came when he delivered a well-placed cross to Rasmus Højlund, whose header lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.
Crucial Chances and Referee Decisions
United saw their fair share of contentious decisions. In two instances, appeals for penalties were dismissed, once when Garnacho was brought down and again when Diallo was challenged by Baba. These missed calls left United fans frustrated, yet Diallo continued to create openings, giving United several scoring chances.
Manchester United Finds Momentum in Second Half
In the second half, Bruno Fernandes stepped up as United’s midfield anchor, delivering precise passes that initiated several attacks. Fernandes set up Diallo for another scoring chance with a perfectly timed through ball, but PAOK’s keeper made an impressive save. Though United created a wealth of scoring opportunities, many were wasted, with shots from Diogo Dalot and Garnacho flying off target.
Finally, in the closing stages, Diallo scored his second goal, providing United with a well-deserved cushion. Shortly after, he sustained an injury and was substituted, though it appeared to be minor. United hopes he will recover before their next league game against Leicester City.
United’s Long-Awaited European Win and the Road Ahead
United’s win over PAOK signifies progress but also reveals the challenges they face. Their struggle to convert possession into goals and their vulnerability to counterattacks remain critical areas to address as they prepare for tougher matches. With an incoming manager set to take over next week, there is optimism that United’s performance can be further refined.
Key Match Stats
| Category | PAOK | Manchester United |
| Possession | 47% | 53% |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 4 |
| Shots Off Target | 16 | 8 |
| Corners | 9 | 2 |
| Fouls | 10 | 15 |
Manchester United’s Starting Line-Up
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot
- Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Carlos Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes (Captain)
- Forwards: Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund
Conclusion
Amad Diallo’s exceptional display against PAOK underscores his value to Manchester United and offers a glimpse into the team’s potential with the right adjustments. United’s journey to regain dominance in Europe may be long, but this win is a positive step forward. With more consistency and refinement, Manchester United can look ahead with optimism in their upcoming European campaign.
