Manchester United vs PAOK predictions: Red Devils ready to rock Old Trafford

James Mason
Spotlight
Ruud van Nistelrooy will be eyeing a first Europa League win for Manchester United
Ruud van Nistelrooy will be eyeing a first Europa League win for Manchester United

- Both sides searching for their first Europa League win this season
- Man Utd unbeaten under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy
- Recommended bet:
Man Utd to win and both teams to score

Two teams looking for their first league phase wins in the Europa League meet at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, when Manchester United host PAOK.

The Red Devils have drawn all three European fixtures, leaving them 21st out of 36 teams in the table heading into matchday four, while PAOK have mixed one draw with two defeats to sit 30th in the standings.

Team news

United are without Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Leny Yoro due to injury.

Christian Eriksen has missed the last two games with a knock and will need to be assessed as to whether he can play a part, while Mason Mount is unlikely to feature despite returning to training this week.

PAOK are missing Tiemoue Bakayoko due to injury, while Dejan Lovren, Mbwana Samatta and Vieirinha are ineligible after the trio were not included in their Europa League squad.

Bruno Fernandes' form has picked up since Erik ten Hag's dismissal
Bruno Fernandes' form has picked up since Erik ten Hag's dismissal

The stats

Ruud van Nistelrooy picked up a 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City in his first game in temporary charge of United and followed that up with a 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea.

The Red Devils have scored two or more goals in three of their last five matches in all competitions, but they are also without a clean sheet during that period.

United captain Bruno Fernandes has scored three goals in his last two games.

PAOK are on a two-game winning streak heading into this clash and are unbeaten in their last four away assignments.

The Greek side have scored in all 10 road fixtures this term, but have struggled at the back of late, with just one clean sheet recorded from their last five outings.

Prediction

After Sporting's 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester City on Tuesday, United fans will be desperate to see what incoming boss Ruben Amorim can do when he takes official charge of the Red Devils on Monday.

Before that, temporary manager Van Nistelrooy will be hoping to keep building momentum and that can be achieved by registering a first Europa League win of the campaign.

There is a sense of optimism around the club since Erik ten Hag's dismissal and Van Nistelrooy has brought about an attacking improvement, with six goals scored in his two games at the helm.

Defensive issues still continue to plague United, who have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five home matches and that should give PAOK hope they can at least get on the scoresheet.

The Greek outfit have found the back of the net in all 10 away contests this term and they can play their part in what should be an entertaining evening in Manchester.

Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!

Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!

Tags

Europa LeagueManchester UnitedPAOK Thessaloniki FC