Early team news for PAOK clash

Manchester United are seeking our first win of the Europa League campaign, when PAOK come to Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The Reds are unbeaten in the competition but, after three draws, are under pressure to move up the table and push for a top-eight spot and automatic place in the round of 16 next year.

Greek champions PAOK are 30th in the 36-team standings, with their only point coming from a 2-2 draw against another of our future opponents in Viktoria Plzen.

However, their domestic form has still been good, as they sit only a point behind leaders, and Salonika rivals, Aris.

United welcome Bruno Fernandes back from suspension, after he missed the 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce, on the back of his red card in the game at FC Porto.

The skipper is likely to start as Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in interim charge, ahead of Ruben Amorim’s arrival later this month.

Mason Mount was in full training on Monday but is unlikely to be rushed back, although there will be another session at Carrington in front of the cameras on Wednesday morning.

The Reds have been without defenders Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro, plus midfielders Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Kobbie Mainoo and Mount.

Winger Antony also sustained an injury during our previous game in the competition in Turkey.

Youngsters Jayce Fitzgerald and Jack Fletcher have been in the senior squad under van Nistelrooy but would need adding to the B list to feature this week.

PAOK’S TEAM NEWS

Shola Shoretire, the youngest player to appear for United in European competition after his substitute outing against Real Sociedad in 2021, looks set to feature for Razvan Lucescu’s men.

The forward scored in a recent 3-0 victory against Egaleo and is not the only familiar face in the Greek champions’ squad.

Former Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren, ex-Wolves full-back Jonny, plus Baba Rahman and Tiemoue Bakayoko, both once of Chelsea, are on their roster. However, Lovren is ineligible and Bakayako has been out injured. 

Taison returned to the XI for the win at Lamia, while Fedor Chalov pressed his claims with an eye-catching performance as a substitute. Giannis Konstantelias was sidelined due to illness.

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