After drawing their previous three encounters in the Europa League, Thursday’s game against PAOK has gained added significance for Manchester United.
United’s penchant for taking the lead and failing to hold on has cost them in all three previous games while their struggles upfront have been a major talking point throughout the season.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed that he is not too concerned and is happy that the players are at least creating numerous chances.
But the Dutchman will be desperate to keep his unbeaten start going and will be looking to handover the reins to Ruben Amorim with the team in a much healthier position, both in Europe and domestically.
Three injured stars set to return
For that he needs all hands on deck and in good news, plenty of stars are nearing a return with Leny Yoro back in training while long-term absentee Tyrell Malacia is also closing in on a return.
As for Thursday’s game, the former United striker confirmed that three injury absentees are ready to make their return to first-team action.
Christian Eriksen, a regular under former boss Erik ten Hag this season, had missed both of Van Nistelrooy’s games but is now back while Antony, who had suffered an injury in the last Europa League game, is also set to feature.
Another player who will be part of the matchday squad is Mason Mount after the Englishman’s injury against Tottenham Hotspur in late September.
Speaking to MUTV, the former club striker said, “Yeah, it’s looking that we’re going to add some people to the bench that were injured before.
“We just trained. We’re going to check how things are. Hopefully we can get Eriksen and Mount and Antony back in the squad.”
Plenty of youngsters are expected to be part of the squad with Jayce Fitzgerald added to United’s UEFA Europa League squad via the B List.
Under the interim manager, Harry Amass, Jayce Fitzgerald and Jack Fletcher have found a place in matchday squads, while Ethan Wheatley came on during United’s win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Young kids set to feature as well
And Van Nistelrooy felt these inclusions were because of their hard work and now they need to keep improving and further opportunities will come their way.
“I mean, I have to say the lads did really well in training. They also were a part of pre-season. They’re still very young – 17-, 18-year-olds. They need time, but they showed already that they can help the team – like Ethan Wheatley.
“He came on in the Carabao Cup against Leicester as an 18-year-old striker. [He has] A lot of potential, but the others [do] as well. So we keep working with them as well.”
Hopefully, the hosts can get the job done against the Greek champions under the lights at Old Trafford on Thursday and kickstart their European campaign in earnest.
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
