Ruud van Nistelrooy may leave Manchester United in the coming days, but he won’t go down without a fight.
The Dutchman went three games unbeaten on Thursday as his Red Devils side beat PAOK 2-0 in the Europa League, and it is now just Leicester who have to get home before he at least gives up his interim role.
It was Amad Diallo who stole the show at Old Trafford on this occasion, scoring twice in the second half after a slow start from his side. It was a win they needed too.
United had not won in Europe for over a year before the match, but they now have a foundation to build on when Ruben Amorim takes charge on Monday, and they will be hoping to go all out and win the competition win.
Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT was at Old Trafford to assess the United players.
Amad Diallo scored twice for Manchester United as they defeated PAOK 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday
Ruud van Nistelrooy remains unbeaten as United’s interim boss after taking charge of three games so far
Calls had come in for Amad to start games and he was showing what he could do from the right wing
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
André Onana – 6.5
Was called to help at 0-0 after he tipped over Mady Camara’s half-volley shortly before half-time, but was far from being attacked as in Porto and Istanbul. Will be happy with a clean sheet in what has been a haphazard European campaign so far.
Diogo Dalot-6
Too often careless in possession and was fortunate that United did not concede when he lost Andrija Zivkovic’s series, who should have scored. Was one of the first changes Van Nistelrooy made when he sent on Lisandro Martinez, who quickly looked more comfortable.
Jonny Evans-7
He was preferred to Lisandro Martinez as left centre-back and once again showed how much of a safety net he is for whoever chooses this team. He got away with a lapse in concentration all night when he lost sight of Tarik Tissoudali in the box. Fortunately for Evans and United, the striker fluffed his lines.
Victor Lindelof-7
It was a stunning shot when the team chips fell, but he more than deserved his inclusion after the final whistle. Not a showstopper, but he is reliable and turned up in a big way for Van Nistelrooy on a big night.
Victor Lindelof’s inclusion was a head-scratcher, but he more than deserved his inclusion
Casemiro once again showed why he is much better in the future than when he returns to United
Noussair Mazraoui-6
Has been United’s best player several times this season and has proven to be an inspirational pick-up. For the right back, who saw his attacking contributions rather limited, this was a simpler and more subdued affair.
Casemiro-7
Another example of why he’s much better at moving forward than back. Produced a brilliant cross from the right early on that ultimately deserved a goal. Looked lively – and simply better – when passing the defensive duties to Ugarte. Booked.
Manuel Ugarte-6
He had to pick up more defensive slack alongside Casemiro and was caught a few times. He’s worth hanging on to – and Ruben Amorim certainly will when he arrives – because he’s improving with each passing game. Booked.
Alejandro Garnacho-5.5
Thought his passing went too far off target – which is ironic considering he was burned by a fan outside the match for not passing enough. Gets so many good positions and yet doesn’t seem to make enough of them when they arrive. Talent in abundance, but just as frustrating as ever.
Bruno Fernandes-7
A sumptuous ball set up Amad for the opening goal and even when he floats across the pitch he is still the lockpicker of choice as United struggle against a stubborn defence.
Amad Diallo-8
The best player on the pitch and deserved his goals – even if it was a surprise that the first one came via his head while he stood just 6 feet tall. He hurt in Istanbul when Antony was sent ahead of him and his performance here was an even bigger mockery of that call-up. Ran the show and just has to start on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes remains the lockpicker of choice as United struggle to break down a team
Amad deserved his goals as the best player on the pitch; he showed that he should start on Sunday
Rasmus Hojlund-5
What was a positive evening for United was another frustrating evening for Rasmus Hojlund. Had a header from about eight yards out that he should have done much better and only scored two touches in the PAOK box.
Manager
Ruud van Nistelrooy-7
Now make it three games unbeaten for the interim coach. His decision to start Amad ahead of Marcus Rashford has paid off and Van Nistelrooy has done no harm to his own coaching credentials in the past fortnight, regardless of whether Amorim keeps him on his staff.