A brace of goals from Amad lit up an otherwise underwhelming Manchester United display as Ruud van Nistelrooy remained unbeaten as interim coach. The forward headed home the opener on 50 minutes, and then in the closing stages fired home from 15 yards to seal his side’s first Europa League win this season.
The youngster also seemingly sent a message to ex-boss Erik ten Hag, who had appeared reluctant to use him before his depature. He was clearly his team’s best player on the night, although the hosts were also left indebted to keepr Andre Onana.
The Cameroon No.1 made a crucial stop at 1-0, and it was set for a nervy finale before the second went in after 77 minutes. It was a win Van Nistelrooy would have welcomed, but not one that will strike much by the way of fear in the club’s Premier League rivals.
Express Sport rates the Man Utd players….
Onana – 8
A spectator in the early going before being called up to make one acrobatic save from Abdoul Camara – and then anticipated brilliantly to thwart Tissoudali at 1-0 too. Distributed well, with one superb long-ball finding Amad in the first half.
Mazraoui – 6
Looked to get forward in his more familiar right-back role, but a lot of his running went wasted. Guilty of being caught out of position at times when United coughed up possession.
Evans – 7
Still looks assured on the ball and made one great sliding tackle late on – but also vulnerable on the few occasions that PAOK did attack with pace. Will be 37 in January and surely, won’t still be at Old Trafford by the time he’s 38.
Lindelof – 6
The Swede was dependable in the air and frequently looked to play out from the back, but often put team-mates under pressure when doing so. Did put Amad through on goal in the second half but another whose time at United will surely be up at the end of the season.
Dalot – 6
Like Mazraoui, looked to get forward whenever possible, but when he did pick up the ball in attacking areas his play lacked accuracy. Wasted one promising second half attack with a wayward shot and was hooked after the hour mark.
Casemiro – 7
Started with real intent, with one raking cross nearly setting up Garnacho and also having appeals for a penalty turned down. Also made a crucial defensive block but his influence faded second half.
Ugarte – 5
Still struggling to impose himself on English football. Picked up a yellow card for a mistimes tackle in the second half and was hauled off soon after.
Amad – 9
Given a rare chance to start after being overlooked by Erik ten Hag this season and he flourished. Creative out on the right, his brilliant first half cross should have yielded a goal for Hojlund. Took his goals superbly after the break, first a header back into the far cornerand then a left footed finish from outside the area. United’s best player by a distance.
Fernandes – 7
Failed to stamp his authority on the contest but did deliver a sublime deep cross for Amad’s opener. As always, work rate high and was pressing the PAOK defenders even at 2-0.
Garnacho – 6
Lively and seemed determined to put Sunday’s horror show behind him. But again, his execution when it mattered was lacking. Another frustrating night for the Uruguayan.
Hojlund – 4
For all the talk over a lack of service, the Dane struggled to link with his midfield and needs to find a way to get into games. Just 10 touches in the first half, and wasted a golden headed chance early on. A bad night for him.
Substitutes
Rashford (for Garnacho, ‘65) – 6
Does Van Nistelrooy have a decision to make for Leicester now? Replaced by Amad in the XI, and after coming on did little to suggest the decision wasn’t justified.
Eriksen (for Ugarte, ‘65) – 7
In his element at 2-0, keeping possession well and taking the sting out the game.
Martinez (for Dalot, ‘65) – 6
Came on at left back and wasn’t truly tested as the game petered out following Amad’s second goal.
Mount (for Amad, ‘81) – 6
Back on the pitch after his injury lay-off. Little time to make an impact but would have welcomed the minutes he had.
Zirkzee (for Hojlund, ‘89) – 6
One darting run after coming on but his late appearance was a token one as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes.
