DEVASTATING NEWS: Horrible news has been confirmed for Manchester united ahead of PAOK FC match tonight in the Europa league.
Amad Diallo is set to replace Alejandro Garnacho, while Joshua Zirkzee will take up the role of central striker as Manchester United prepares to face PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday. United will be eager to secure their first victory in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League campaign, and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has no new injury concerns affecting his lineup for the match.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire remain unavailable due to ongoing calf issues, while Kobbie Mainoo is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Antony is nursing an ankle problem. However, the team received positive updates with Mason Mount and Leny Yoro resuming training this week.
Christian Eriksen’s participation remains uncertain as he recovers from a knock. During the pre-match press conference, van Nistelrooy discussed Yoro’s anticipated return and also provided updates on Malacia, Shaw, and Maguire. He noted, “He’s [Yoro] been managed very well since his pre-season injury. It was always expected to be a lengthy recovery. This is a big step, returning to team training. He’ll gradually be reintegrated in the coming weeks.”
On Malacia and Maguire, van Nistelrooy commented, “Tyrell is the furthest along, participating fully in team training without restrictions. He may get game minutes, possibly with the under-21s. Harry is still working on his rehab indoors, while Luke has started pitch work and is progressing toward partial team training soon.”
Andre Onana will start as goalkeeper, with United set to play a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defense will consist of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui. In midfield, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will anchor the center, with Bruno Fernandes playing in the no. 10 role. Diallo and Marcus Rashford will operate as the wide attackers, and Zirkzee will lead the forward line, with Rasmus Hojlund and Garnacho expected to be on the bench.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, de Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Manchester United is set for an exciting Europa League clash against PAOK at Old Trafford, as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side aims to secure its first victory in this season’s European campaign. The lineup reflects a few strategic adjustments, notably with Amad Diallo replacing Alejandro Garnacho on the wing and Joshua Zirkzee stepping in as the central striker. Van Nistelrooy has the squad largely fit, despite a few lingering injuries.
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Kobbie Mainoo remain sidelined, with Shaw and Maguire both recovering from calf injuries, while Mainoo deals with a hamstring issue. Antony is also out due to an ankle injury, while Christian Eriksen’s involvement is uncertain following a recent knock. However, there’s positive news with Mason Mount and new signing Leny Yoro resuming training, raising hopes for their returns soon.
During his pre-match press conference, van Nistelrooy expressed optimism about Yoro’s steady recovery and confirmed that Tyrell Malacia is making strong progress and may soon get match minutes. Maguire and Shaw, though progressing slower, are each taking steps toward full training.
In the predicted lineup, Andre Onana will start as the goalkeeper, backed by a solid 4-2-3-1 formation. The defense is expected to feature Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will likely hold the midfield, with Bruno Fernandes positioned in the advanced role. Diallo and Marcus Rashford are set to operate on the flanks, supporting Zirkzee as the main striker.
**Predicted Manchester United XI**: Onana; Dalot, de Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.
This lineup should provide a balanced approach, with creative options and a strong defensive setup, as United seeks a crucial win in their Europa League journey.
