4 passes in 89 mins, 80% ground duels lost, 1 big chance missed: Amorim has huge job on his hands with struggling United man
Despite not playing too well, Manchester United ground out a 2-0 win over PAOK on Thursday at Old Trafford, their first win of the current Europa League campaign.
A second-half brace from Amad Diallo proved to be the difference on the night with the Ivorian re-acquiring his mojo under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy after some baffling treatment by former manager Erik ten Hag.
While incoming manager Ruben Amorim might have found himself his right-sided forward, the rest of team’s performance was quite poor as they kept running out of ideas in the final third.
The players seemed lethargic and hardly showed any real urgency against the Greek champions with the team’s mentality in need of change once the new boss walks in.
Rasmus was poor vs PAOK
At least, the interim manager has got the team back on the winning track but the form of his No 9 will be a concern even though he publicly backed him in his pre-match press conference.
Rasmus Hojlund is young and with that inexperience, performances are bound to be inconsistent but United need more from their main striker.
Under the lights, the Dane struggled to hold on to the ball under pressure and often took it too casual when trying to pass to a teammate.
He only had 16 touches of the ball and completed four out of six passes in 89 minutes, shocking numbers which highlight the huge task on Amorim’s hands.
The 21-year-old missed one big chance and failed to attempt a single dribble. He also lost four out of five ground duels while winning three aerial battles.
Huge task ahead for Amorim
The Denmark international managed zero crosses and long balls and also did not have a solitary key pass while losing possession seven times (all stats via sofascore).
Unfortunately, owing to summer recruit Joshua Zirkzee’s form, Van Nistelrooy had no choice but to keep Hojlund on for as long as he did.
Amorim needs to repeat the magic trick he did with Viktor Gyokeres, who went from a Championship striker with Coventry City to Europe’s finest at Sporting Lisbon.
Unfortunately, owing to United’s flawed recruitment, they have a very young forward line prone to bad days. It will be intriguing to see how the new head coach gets his house in order this season or if INEOS are forced to help in January.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Video: United star sends message to Amorim over key man he must “100%” keep at Old Trafford
Manchester United goalkeeper Ande Onana has revealed that he wants interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy to remain at the club and be part of Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff.
Amorim officially begins work at United on November 11, following his appointment as Erik ten Hag’s direct replacement.
He is expected to bring in several of his coaches and sports scientists and this has led to speculation over the future of Van Nistelrooy.
Van Nistelrooy has insisted on several occasions that his wish is to remain at Old Trafford and the players are also believed to be keen on this as they view him as someone who is easy to communicate with.
During his post-match interview with TNT Sports following United’s 2-0 win over PAOK on Thursday night, Van Nistelrooy joked that he had been checking his phone to see whether anyone from the club had reached out to him about his future once Amorim arrives.
Onana also spoke to the news outlet and was asked whether he and his teammates would love to see the legendary Dutch striker stay on board.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper replied, “100 per cent. He’s a really good guy, a really good coach — since he’s been here he’s been helping us a lot.”
“He has so much experience. He’s been amazing since he’s been here. We’ve only had him a few days as a head coach, which is different.”
“But he’s been fantastic. The players are happy.”
“But at the end of the day it’s not something we can decide. The club made the decision and we have to accept that this has to be between him and the club. At the end of the day, they are the ones who have to sit at the table and do what is best for the club.”
“100%, he’s a very good guy, very good coach”
Andre Onana and the Manchester United team are hopeful Ruud van Nistelrooy stays at the club 💪
🎙@DannyJamieson pic.twitter.com/dl0cwd0cA9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2024
Van Nistelrooy has overseen a Carabao Cup victory over Leicester City and of course, Thursday’s Europa League win at home against PAOK, bookended by a 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea.
His interim tenure will conclude with Sunday’s league meeting with Leicester.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
“That sums him up”: Van Nistelrooy makes incredible revelation about Amad, fans will be pleased
Interim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has given an insight into the level of Amad Diallo’s dedication, mentality and desire to improve, following his stellar performance in the 2-0 win over PAOK.
Amad scored both goals as the Red Devils registered their first Europa League victory of the campaign.
The Ivorian found himself dubiously frozen out of the team in the latter stages of Erik ten Hag’s United tenure. Van Nistelrooy handed Amad his first start in seven games against PAOK and the player certainly didn’t disappoint.
In his post-match interview with TNT, Van Nistelrooy waxed lyrical about Amad, hailing him as the difference-maker at Old Trafford.
In his presser, Van Nistelrooy delved into greater detail about Amad’s professionalism and explained that he requests extra sessions to refine his game.
The Dutch coach told reporters, “Yes, he’s a great character, a hard worker, he shows it in every training session.”
“So that attitude and also extra work. Every day after training he comes to me and he wants to do extra finishing, extra crossing, extra one-vs-ones, extra how can I improve my shot, how can I improve my heading, etc. etc. etc.”
“He’s constantly focused on learning, getting better, living a very professional way so he’s very motivated to get the maximum out of his career. After so many games he didn’t start but he had a great performance today, so very pleased for him.”
Van Nistelrooy added, “I think the second goal had everything in it. That for me is Amad Diallo. He fought to take the ball off the PAOK defender and then he pushed through to get the shot and in the end he had the quality to bend it around the goalkeeper. So that sums him up.”
On whether Amad was energised by a need to impress having been overlooked several times in the past few weeks, Van Nistelrooy stressed, “Apparently so because I think he was excellent.”
“In the first half he was our best player. Already he looked sharp, he did well, second half he decided the game for us with two important goals, so he did excellent.”
Amad was taken off with around 10 minutes of regular time left on the clock and replaced by Mason Mount.
Amidst fears that he could have sustained an injury, Van Nistelrooy stated, “He had to come off, unfortunately. He’s being assessed now and I hope he will be available for Sunday but we have to wait and see. His qualities are clear, the way he presented himself today was excellent and important for this team.”
Up next for United is Leicester City.
Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
6/8 duels, 2 key passes: United stalwart shows why he is a key part of his team’s midfield in 2-0 win over PAOK
Manchester United eased to a 2-0 victory over PAOK Salonika in the Europa League on Thursday night, extending Ruud van Nistelrooy’s impressive run as interim manager.
Although they saw just 53% possession, Man United were comfortable on the ball, proving to be effective at passing and improving their build-up play significantly compared to earlier in the season under Erik ten Hag.
A grand 16 shots were taken by United compared to just eight from the visitors, showing just how much United have tightened up at the back while also upping the amount of midfield pressure they apply to the opposition.
At the heart of United’s midfield success was Casemiro.
Early in the first half, PAOK got a rare shot on goal from close range; however, Casemiro bravely stood in the way to block a shot that goalkeeper Andre Onana did not look certain to save. This action by the Brazilian may have swayed the course of the match in United’s favour.
In addition to blocking this shot, Casemiro produced a tackle, clearance, and interception, making for a well-rounded defensive performance to provide ample support to his back four.
Casemiro was as physically strong as ever, winning six of his eight total duels. He came off best in four of his six ground duels while winning both of his aerial battles on the night.
The only issue with the midfielder’s defensive showing was a slight lack of discipline. Casemiro gave away three fouls, picking up a yellow card in the process.
Casemiro’s passing game was also near its peak, with 47 of his 58 attempted passes finding their mark for an 81% passing accuracy.
One of his two crosses found their target, as did two of his three long balls.
The centre-mid’s playmaking abilities were also on display as he supplied two key passes.
Having completed his only dribbling attempt on the night, Casemiro’s shooting was one of his only underwhelming areas of play. He took three shots, two of which were off-target and one which was blocked.
Ultimately, it was a respectable performance from Casemiro. He has rediscovered his consistency in recent times, overcoming a patch of underwhelming performances and proving once again why he is a key component of United’s midfield.
(Stats via Sofascore)
Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
Video: Van Nistelrooy waxes lyrical about “sharp” United star who “made the difference” in win vs. PAOK
Interim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has heaped praise on Amad Diallo following his contributions in the side’s 2-0 win over PAOK on Thursday night.
United got their first Europa League victory of the season, courtesy of a sensational second-half brace by Amad.
The Ivorian has recently found minutes hard to come by but he certainly didn’t disappoint when given a start by Van Nistelrooy against PAOK.
After the final whistle, Van Nistelrooy spoke to TNT Sports and reacted to the team’s performance and Amad’s heroics.
The Dutch coach said, “It was a pretty poor first half and I’m being nice. Second half was way better, that was clear. I think Amad made the difference today. Obviously because of his goals but he was sharp, I think even in the first half, he was one of the few who were at the level.”
“So well done to him and good game. I think positionally we weren’t good at all…we left our positions. We were taking other positions than we set because, in their 4-4-2, there were four midfielders for us against the two to give them a problem…so too much out of position. We didn’t get the game going and the second half was a lot better and then we got into the game.”
He lauded Bruno Fernandes for his superb cross that led to Amad’s headed finish.
Reacting to Amad’s second strike, Van Nistelrooy told TNT, “He made his own goal. Christian [Eriksen] tried to cross it and then coming inside with the left, getting it in the far post was excellent. He won his own duel and took the shot for the goal, so good goal.”
Van Nistelrooy revealed that Amad has been “incredible” in training and hasn’t been affected by the limited playing time he has been afforded.
Paul Scholes asked Van Nistelrooy about Fernandes’ failure to remain in his playmaking position in the middle of the park.
The Dutchman replied, “I tried to say it to the whole team [to remain in their positions]. If we can keep those positions…the 10s…and it was Amad today from the right inside with Mazraoui higher up and Bruno on the other side. Those are two players who can play in the spaces. If we can get it[the ball] from the 6s to them, or from the sides to them then we have everything to play for.”
Once again, Van Nistelrooy insisted that he wants to remain at Old Trafford even after Ruben Amorim officially takes charge of the team.
The former Red joked that he has been repeatedly checking his phone in anticipation of United’s confirmation that he will stay at the club.
“We looked at that and thought, we can’t believe this”
Ruud van Nistelrooy is determined to help improve Manchester United’s performances following their first European win at Old Trafford in over a year 📈
🎙@JulesBreach pic.twitter.com/PvQd4Ps6KF
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2024
Van Nistelrooy’s last game in the dugout will see him lead the team against Leicester City on Sunday.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
Paul Scholes makes huge Van Nistelrooy claim after Europa League triumph
Ruud van Nistelrooy led Manchester United to their first Europa League win of the season, a 2-0 triumph over PAOK at Old Trafford tonight, and for Paul Scholes he has done enough to be the team’s permanent manager.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, Scholes was full of praise for the Dutch interim manager, stating categorically “I think he should be manager.”
“Just watching him in three games, he did well in Holland, he won the Dutch cup, he won other things, he just looks like he’s made to be a manager,” he continued.
“I think he’s better than being an assistant manager, I think he should be managing a club.”
Nevertheless, the United legend said he is “excited” for the arrival of Ruben Amorim, who will step into the hotseat on Monday, although neither Scholes nor fellow pundit Karen Carney thinks there will be an immediate fix.
Carney warned that “there may be a little bit more suffering” before the Portuguese can get the Red Devils up to speed and challenging for the top four, with Scholes adding that it “could take six weeks” before we even see Amorim’s style of play take hold.
United made heavy work of beating the Greek champions, grimly holding on to a 1-0 lead for nearly half an hour before Amad Diallo doubled the advantage and his personal tally with a wonderful effort from range to tie up the points.
The win leaves them 15th in the table, in the middle of the playoff places, and Amorim will still have plenty of work to do to take United through to the next round.
But despite shortcomings all over the pitch, Scholes did see some green shoots in the middle of the park: “Casemiro and [Manuel] Ugarte could be the start of something.
“Looking forward towards Amorim, it’s a partnership that could be good together. It allows Bruno a little bit more freedom up the top of the pitch.”
He also backed Rasmus Hojlund to replicate the goalscoring heroics of Sporting Lisbon’s free-scoring centre forward Viktor Gyökeres, who has been key to Amorim’s success in Portugal.
“I was a little bit disappointed in Hojlund [tonight], he had a tough night, a difficult night. I think he will improve, I think he will get better once he’s coached by a coach who will believe I him.
“I’m not saying Ruud doesn’t believe in him, but we’ve seen the effect that the centre forward has over in Sporting Lisbon and I think Hojlund is capable of that.”
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
Video: United hero in win vs. PAOK reacts to his role in helping the club end humiliating streak in Europe
Manchester United put two goals past PAOK to grab their first Europa League victory of the season.
Both goals were scored by Amad Diallo, who was finally handed a start after weeks of coming on from the bench.
For his first goal, the Ivorian superbly headed in a cross from Bruno Fernandes. He was at it again 27 minutes later, this time curling in a wonderful ball with his left foot to ensure the win was secured.
Amad was taken off with around 10 minutes of regular time left on the clock and replaced by Mason Mount.
After the final whistle, Amad spoke to TNT Sports and gave his verdict on the win and his own performance.
When asked about his role in the club sealing their first victory in Europe in over a year, he said, “It feels nice. It’s been a long time since we won in Europe…like one year.”
“But today we showed that we were one of the best teams on this pitch and yeah, it was important to win today.”
“Yeah, it’s important to score every time. This season I’ve been a bit unlucky not to score but I’m happy to score two goals today and the most important thing is the win and to get everybody together.”
When asked about his celebration, Amad responded, “When I score I love to celebrate with the fans and to make people enjoy and yeah, I was happy.”
On his second goal, Amad told TNT, “I think it’s work we did in training. We have to press the opponent team and yeah, I did my job, I pressed him and took the ball and I shot the ball and I scored.”
The winger opened up on Van Nistelrooy’s impact on him.
Amad remarked, “Since he arrived at Manchester United, he’s been important for everyone. He’s very close to the players and he’s always there to help them and talk and yeah, he’s very important to this team.”
Amad Diallo is all smiles after scoring a brace for Manchester United against PAOK 🤩
🎙 @DannyJamieson pic.twitter.com/2Vq6Frttd7
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2024
Up next for Amad and his teammates is Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
Van Nistelrooy has rectified this huge Ten Hag blunder but Amorim still has a lot of work to do
Manchester United picked up their first win of this season’s Europa League on Thursday as they saw off the challenge of PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford.
A second-half brace from Amad Diallo proved to be the difference in the end with interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy picking up his second win in his short-term tenure.
The victory meant the Red Devils climbed up to 15th in the standings with the top eight directly qualifying for the knockout stages.
The Ivorian was tipped to breakthrough this season by former manager Erik ten Hag and after a few initial chances earlier this season, the Dutchman reduced the Ivorian’s minutes without reason.
Amad grabs a brace
The 21-year-old was visibly displeased when Antony was brought on ahead of him against Fenerbahce in the previous game, having to be calmed down by then-assistant manager Van Nistelrooy.
And under him, the youngster seems to have found a new lease of life. Under the lights, the former Atalanta starlet was one of the few shining lights up front as Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho struggled to create an impact in the first half.
His opening goal saw him leap high at the back post, while his second was a thing of beauty as he cut in from the right wing before unleashing an unstoppable curling effort into the goal.
Surely he will start for Van Nistelrooy’s final game against Leicester City at the weekend and incoming manager Ruben Amorim is about to inherit a hungry and in-form Amad.
Flat performance on the whole
As for the rest of the team’s performance, it was flat and lacked any real urgency as the players seemed too casual at times and kept giving away the ball cheaply.
Playing in an European game under the lights having failed to win their previous three, the players should have been way more hungry to rectify the situation.
They lacked ideas once they entered the final third of the pitch and that is something Amorim must fix with the team low on confidence even with the win.
The Portuguese tactician must drive up performance levels and ensure the players are bang on the money from the first minute for every game. Plenty of manager have tried but failed. Fingers crossed, Amorim can be the one to change things.
Feature image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
