United to welcome back former academy gem in must-win European encounter at Old Trafford

Manchester United take on PAOK Salonika FC tomorrow night in their fourth match in their Europa League campaign.

The Red Devils have drawn the opening three matches of the competition and are desperate to record their first win of the league stage, as they sit in 21st position in the table.

United have never played the Greek side before, in what will be an historic meeting between the two clubs.

With former players Facundo Pellistri playing for Panathinaikos and Anthony Martial for AEK Athens, United have more connections with Greek football than they usually do.

Here are three storylines to get fans buzzing for a crucial match and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s only European tie in charge as interim head coach.

Shola Shoretire return

The 20 year old joined the United academy in 2013 but eventually left this summer after the expiration of his contract.

Shoretire played five times for the senior side, making his debut off the bench in 2021 as a 17 year old against Newcastle United.

He was unable to get many chances in the first team and decided to sign for the Greek side in the summer, where he has played in eight matches and scored one goal.

He has had to make do with limited action in the Europa League so far, only playing seven minutes off the bench but he might expect to get more action at his former side and where he made his professional debut.

If he is to play any minute of the match tonight, he will likely receive a strong welcome from the Old Trafford crowd.

United’s wonderful home record against Greek opposition

As is to be expected, United have a very strong record against sides from Greece, especially at home.

According to The BBC, “Manchester United have won all six of their home games against Greek sides by an aggregate score of 20-1.”

In addition, the Red Devils have scored three or more goals in their last five UEFA competition matches at home against Greek teams, so will be hoping for a morale boosting victory tonight.

Previous results have included a 3-0 win over Olympiacos FC in 2014, when a Robin van Persie hat trick overcame a 2-0 defeat in Greece in the last-16 of the Champions League during the David Moyes season.

United also beat Panathinaikos at home 5-0 in 2003.

PAOK have lost five of their last six away matches in the UEFA Europa League competition proper, as they sit 30th in the league standings with one point from three matches.

United aiming to break poor European streak

The match against PAOK tomorrow night starts a run of objectively easier European fixtures after away days in Porto and Istanbul, and United certainly need it after their latest run in Europe.

They are without a win in over a year since unconvincingly beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 at Old Trafford last October, with only a last-gasp penalty save from Andre Onana preserving the three points.

“Manchester United are winless in six major European matches, drawing four and losing two, their worst run since 1980 to 1983. They have never previously gone seven without a win.”

In other words, should the Red Devils fail to win tomorrow night, they will not only make qualification an uphill task but they will also go down as the worst United team in European history.