Get ready for Thursday evening's Europa League clash at Old Trafford! Manchester United, led by interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, is set to face Greek team PAOK for the first time ever. Both teams desperately need a win, having failed to secure a victory in this season's competition so far.
Manchester United's European struggles are real - they've gone over a year without a win on the continent, drawing four and losing two of their last six games. Their current form is their worst since the 1980s! They're currently 21st in the Europa League table, with just one point from their opening three games.
New interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has a tough task ahead, but he'll be hopeful given Manchester United's impressive record against Greek teams at Old Trafford - six wins from six games with a whopping 20-1 aggregate score!
On the other side, PAOK is competing in the Europa League for the first time in four years and has had a rough start, losing two and drawing one of their opening games. However, they showed resilience in their last game, coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Viktoria Plzen.
PAOK's European record is concerning, with just one win in their last 13 games in the competition. But they're doing well in their domestic league, sitting just one point behind leaders Aris Thessaloniki.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Manchester United's injury list is a concern ahead of their Europa League clash with PAOK. The Red Devils will be missing several key players, including:
Kobbie Mainoo (hamstring), Harry Maguire (calf), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Leny Yoro (foot), who's nearing a return.
However, there's some good news! Antony, Mason Mount, and Christian Eriksen are all back in training after recovering from their respective injuries and will be assessed before kickoff.
Bruno Fernandes is available again after serving his suspension, and he's likely to start behind either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee up front. Other players like Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Amass will be pushing for a spot in the starting XI.
PAOK has some notable absentees too:
Dejan Lovren, Mbwana Samatta, and Vieirinha aren't registered for the Europa League squad while Tiemoue Bakayoko is out injured
This opens up opportunities for Mady Camara and Stefan Schwab to start in midfield alongside Magomed Ozdoyev.
One player to watch is Shola Shoretire, who spent 10 years at Manchester United before joining PAOK this summer. The 20-year-old winger could face his former club on Thursday, adding an interesting subplot to the game.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
PAOK possible starting lineup:
Kotarski; Jonny, Kedziora, Colley, Rahman; Camara, Ozdoyev; Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison; Chalov
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 3-0 PAOK
Manchester United's Europa League campaign has been underwhelming so far, but the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim boss has injected a much-needed boost of energy and optimism.
After a dismal run, the Red Devils are suddenly looking more promising, and Thursday's clash with PAOK is the perfect opportunity to build momentum.
