Here’s our Manchester United Vs PAOK preview, prediction, team news and predicted lineups ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash.
Manchester United Vs PAOK Preview
United have made a woeful start to the season, in all competitions. Sat 13th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League, they made the decision to part ways with former manager Eric ten Hag.
Having drawn all three European games so far, the Red Devils are in desperate need of a victory. They were held 1-1 at home to FC Twente, before drawing 3-3 at Porto and 1-1 away to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
United led in all three games and will hope not to let slip another lead on Thursday.
Things have looked better since Ten Hag’s departure, though. A 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup and 1-1 draw with a resurgent Chelsea marked a good start to life under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
And with incoming full-time coach Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP demolishing United’s rivals Manchester City 4-1 on Tuesday, things could be about to get much better at Old Trafford.
But before they can think too far ahead, United must first overcome PAOK.
The Greek outfit are back in the Europa League for the first time in four years, but are yet to pick up a win. They lost 3-1 to Galatasaray before a 1-0 loss to FCSB, but did manage a draw after going two goals down to Viktoria Plzen.
However, PAOK have been solid on the domestic front, with the Greek champions second in the table as it stands.
Razvan Lucescu’s side have been difficult for English opposition in the past, taking points off both Arsenal and Tottenham in recent years.
Matchday 4️⃣ in the @EuropaLeague approaches ✊#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/WCKFaw8DqZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 5, 2024
Manchester United Vs PAOK Team News
United will still be without several long-term absentees for Thursday. All of Kobbie Mainoo (hamstring), Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw (both calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Antony (ankle) and Leny Yoro (foot) are unavailable, though Yoro is nearing a return.
Mason Mount is back in training after shaking off a knock, though may not be risked on Thursday. Likewise, Christian Eriksen will need a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is back following his suspension in United’s last Europa League game. He should start in behind one of either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee.
For the visitors, ex-Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is out, meaning Stefan Schwab and Mady Camara are vying for a midfield role alongside Magomed Ozdoyev.
A name familiar to those at Old Trafford, Shola Shoretire spent a decade at United before signing for PAOK, and could face his former club.
Former Liverpool and Southampton defender Dejan Lovren is ineligible after not being named in PAOK’s Europa League squad.
Manchester United Vs PAOK Predicted Lineups
Manchester United Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
PAOK Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kotarski; Jonny, Kedziora, Colley, Rahman; Camara, Ozdoyev; Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison; Chalov
Manchester United Vs PAOK Prediction
United have been poor this season, but can take confidence from their performances so far under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
They will be strong favourites and we expect them to win pretty comfortably, especially at Old Trafford.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 PAOK
