Manchester United’s form in the Europa League this season has been concerning with the team yet to pick up a win in three games despite them taking the lead in all of those games.
In the new European format, the Red Devils will need to finish in the top eight to make it through directly to the next round with the club currently languishing in 21st position.
And while Ruben Amorim is expected to take charge from November 11, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is not thinking too far ahead and is fully focussed on getting the team back performing on the pitch.
He mentioned that PAOK are Greek champions and that it will be a tough European game at the Theatre of Dreams under the lights.
Goalscoring woes
As far as Amorim’s arrival is concerned, the interim boss revealed there has been no conversation with the Portuguese neither is there any clarity regarding his future.
“No, [I haven’t spoken with him]. No contact so far, so no changes in that. I don’t know when either. I’m so focussed on the present, to comment on that is very difficult. I’m putting all my energy into the current squad.”
United’s lack of goals has been a problem with the team creating chances but failing to put them away. That has led to rumours of a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres once Amorim gets here.
But for now, Van Nistelrooy and Amorim will have to work with what they have got and Rasmus Hojlund is a player full of potential and someone needs to unlock that.
The interim manager was confident that the Dane would be a huge success at the club and his only advice was that the 21-year-old just needs to keep calm under pressure.
“I don’t agree that we didn’t create enough chances [for them]. If you look at the statistics, we’re creating chances, that’s why I’m not concerned.”
He was asked about injuries and as previously relayed by The Peoples Person, Leny Yoro is back in training with the team along with Antony and Christian Eriksen.
“It’s a big moment for him, that first time he’s back in team training. Obviously, we’re gonna get him back partially over the coming weeks and look to get him on board as soon as possible.”
Interestingly, there were doubts about Marcus Rashford’s participation as the Mancunian was spotted in individual training but Van Nistelrooy dispelled those doubts and said it was just extra work that the forward was doing.
“He [Marcus Rashford] did a bit of extra work before the session on his own and then joined the group. There’s no special news on that one.”
Injury update
In another boost to the squad, Malacia is close to a return and has been training for a few weeks now. But owing to his long-term injury, the club might start him slowly and offer him minutes with the U21s before throwing him into the deep end.
Both Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire remain sometime away from a return with the centre-back still doing gym work while the left-back has been out on the grass.
“Harry is still inside working on his rehab, Luke also does pitch work like he did today and he’s progressing there to do hopefully partial team training soon.
“Tyrell [Malacia] is fully in team training, and no restrictions, and it’s good to plan his game minutes, maybe in the under 21’s.”
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
