Ruud van Nistelrooy could be set to leave Manchester United in the coming days, but he’s not going down without a fight.
The Dutchman made it three games unbeaten on Thursday when his Red Devils side defeated PAOK 2-0 in the Europa League, and it is now just Leicester at home to come before he bows out at least of his interim role.
It was Amad Diallo who stole the show at Old Trafford on this occasion, netting twice in the second half following what had been a slow start from his side. It was a win they needed, too.
United had not won in Europe for over a year before the game, but they now have a base to build on when Ruben Amorim takes charge on Monday, and they will have hopes of going all the way and winning the competition.
Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT was at Old Trafford to rate the United players.
Amad Diallo scored twice for Manchester United as they defeated PAOK 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday
Ruud van Nistelrooy remains undefeated as United interim boss having taken charge of three games so far
Calls had come for Amad to start games and he showed what he could do from the right wing
Man United (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana – 6.5
Was called to the rescue at 0-0 to tip over a half-volley from Mady Camara shortly before the interval but was far from under siege like he was in Porto and Istanbul. Will be delighted with a clean sheet in what has been a haphazard European campaign to date.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Too often careless in possession and was fortunate that United didn’t concede when he lost the run of Andrija Zivkovic, who really should have scored. Was among the first changes made by Van Nistelrooy as he sent Lisandro Martinez on, who soon looked more comfortable out there.
Jonny Evans – 7
Was preferred to Lisandro Martinez at left centre-back and once again showed how much of a safety net he continues to be for whoever is picking this team. Got away with one lapse in concentration all night when he lost sight of Tarik Tissoudali in the box. Fortunately for Evans and United the striker fluffed his lines.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Was a head-scratching inclusion when the team-sheets dropped but he more than merited his inclusion come the final whistle. Not a showstopper but he’s dependable and showed up in a big way for Van Nistelrooy on a big night.
The inclusion of Victor Lindelof was a head-scratcher but he more than merited his inclusion
Casemiro again showed why he is much better going forward than he is going back in this United side
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Has been United’s best player on multiple occasions this season and has proven an inspired pick-up. This was a more straightforward and low-key affair for the right back, who saw his attacking contributions rather limited.
Casemiro – 7
Another example of why he’s much better going forward than going back. Produced a brilliant cross from the right early on that deserved a goal at the end of it. Looked lively – and simply better – when he was allowed to pass the defensive duties onto Ugarte. Booked.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Was left to pick up more of the defensive slack alongside Casemiro and got caught on a couple of occasions. He’s worth persisting with – and Ruben Amorim definitely will when he arrives – because he is improving with every passing game. Booked.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5.5
Found his passing to be wide of the mark – which is ironic given he was scalded by a fan outside pre-match for not passing enough. Gets into so many good positions and yet doesn’t seem to make enough of them when they arrive. Talent aplenty but as frustrating as ever.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
A sumptuous ball in picked out Amad for the opening goal and even when he finds himself drifting right across the pitch he is still the go-to lock picker when United are struggling against a stubborn defence.
Amad Diallo – 8
Best player on the pitch and deservedly got his goals – even if it was a surprise that the first came via his head standing at just 5ft 8ins. He was smarting in Istanbul when Antony was sent on ahead of him and his performance here made even more of a mockery of that call. Ran the show and simply must start on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes remains the go-to lock picker when United are struggling to break a team down
Amad deserved his goals as the best player on the pitch – he showed he must start on Sunday
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
On what was a positive night for United this was yet another frustrating one for Rasmus Hojlund. Had a header from about eight yards out that he should have done a lot better with and managed only two touches in the PAOK box.
Manager
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 7
Make it three games unbeaten now for the interim coach. His decision to start Amad ahead of Marcus Rashford paid off handsomely and Van Nistelrooy has done his own coaching credentials no harm in the past week or two regardless of whether Amorim keeps him around on his staff.