Team news for United v PAOK 2024 BEST

Team News for Manchester United vs PAOK Salonika: Crucial Europa League Clash

As Manchester United prepare to face PAOK Salonika in their crucial Europa League group-stage fixture, the excitement around the clash is palpable, with both sides eager to secure a win to boost their chances of progression in the tournament. For United, this match is an opportunity to build momentum after some mixed results in recent weeks, while PAOK will be looking to spring an upset at Old Trafford. The fixture has added significance for Erik ten Hag‘s side, who will be keen to show their pedigree in Europe after a few seasons of underachievement in continental competitions.

With the match fast approaching, fans and pundits alike are eager to know which players will take to the pitch and whether United will field a full-strength team or opt for rotation to balance their domestic and European commitments. This preview will focus on the latest team news, including updates on injuries, suspensions, and possible tactical changes.

Manchester United: Key Players and Team News

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces the difficult task of balancing squad rotation with the need to field a competitive team for this vital Europa League tie. The club’s fixture schedule is demanding, with games coming thick and fast both in the Premier League and across other competitions, meaning that the Dutch manager has to ensure he has a fresh squad ready to challenge for all fronts.

Injury Concerns and Key Absentees

The biggest concern for Manchester United going into the match against PAOK is the status of several players who have been sidelined due to injury. The club has been managing a number of fitness issues in recent weeks, and some key players remain unavailable for this crucial clash.

Raphaël Varane – The French central defender has been dealing with a persistent muscle issue, which has kept him out of action in recent matches. There is still no clear timeline on his return, and he is expected to miss the PAOK fixture.
Luke Shaw – The left-back is another important player who will be unavailable for this match. Shaw has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and while he has been working on his rehabilitation, he will not be fit for the Europa League tie. This means Ten Hag will likely have to turn to his other options in defense.
Mason Mount – After his summer transfer from Chelsea, Mount has been slowly integrating into Ten Hag’s system. However, the English midfielder picked up a slight injury and has been out of action for several weeks. He is expected to miss the PAOK game as he continues his recovery.
Tyrell Malacia – Another injury blow for Ten Hag has been the absence of left-back Tyrell Malacia, who has also been nursing a fitness problem. Malacia has struggled with injuries since the start of the season and will not be available for selection against PAOK.

Suspensions

Fortunately, there are no suspensions hanging over the heads of United’s key players for this match. With the exception of the injuries listed above, Erik ten Hag has a relatively clean bill of health in terms of discipline. This means he has more flexibility in his selections and will be able to make changes without worrying about missing players due to suspensions.

Players to Watch

Despite the injury absences, Manchester United still have plenty of star power to rely on. Ten Hag will likely field a strong team with a blend of experience and youth, aiming to secure the three points while giving some of the club’s fringe players a chance to impress.

Bruno Fernandes – The Portuguese midfielder remains the heartbeat of Manchester United’s attack and is expected to start in this European encounter. Fernandes has been instrumental in United’s creative play, and his leadership on the field will be crucial as the team looks to assert dominance against PAOK.
Marcus Rashford – Rashford has been in solid form this season and is one of the most dangerous attacking threats for United. His pace and ability to break down defenses with direct running make him a key player in the European tie, particularly against an organized PAOK defense. Rashford’s performances have become more consistent under Ten Hag, and he will be eager to showcase his quality on the continental stage.
Amad Diallo – The young Ivorian winger has enjoyed a resurgence at Manchester United after some loan spells in the past couple of seasons. Amad, who has displayed impressive form when given the opportunity, could feature prominently in this game. His flair, dribbling, and creativity will be key in unlocking PAOK’s defense. After a promising start to the season, Amad will be eager to continue his progress and potentially earn a more prominent role in the team.
Antony – The Brazilian winger has had a mixed start to the season but has shown flashes of brilliance. His ability to cut inside and shoot with his stronger left foot makes him a constant threat on the right flank. With the absence of other attacking options due to injury, Antony will be relied upon to produce a match-winning performance.
Christian Eriksen – United’s playmaking midfielder has settled into the squad and become an integral part of the team’s buildup play. His ability to control the tempo of the game and provide quality service to United’s attackers will be crucial against a PAOK side that will look to disrupt United’s rhythm. Eriksen could play a key role in unlocking PAOK’s defense.

Possible Starting XI

Given the injuries and suspensions, Erik ten Hag is likely to make some changes from the team that recently competed in the Premier League. Here is a possible starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana – The Cameroonian goalkeeper has been a key signing for United and is expected to start in goal. Onana’s distribution and shot-stopping abilities have been impressive, and he will be crucial for United’s chances in Europe.
Right-back: Diogo Dalot – With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined, Dalot is the natural choice at right-back. He offers good attacking support down the flank and is defensively solid, making him an important player in both phases of play.
Centre-back pairing: Lisandro Martínez and Victor Lindelöf – With Raphaël Varane out injured, Ten Hag is likely to pair Martínez with Lindelöf at the heart of the defense. Lindelöf has experience in European competition, while Martínez’s intensity and leadership will be key to controlling PAOK’s attacking threats.
Left-back: Alejandro Garnacho – While Garnacho is naturally an attacker, his versatility allows him to play in a more defensive role if necessary. He could be deployed as a left-wing back, or Ten Hag may opt for Luke Shaw’s deputy, Marc Jurado, should he choose a more defensive setup.
Central midfield: Casemiro and Christian Eriksen – United’s Brazilian enforcer, Casemiro, will anchor the midfield, providing defensive stability and breaking up any potential PAOK counterattacks. He’ll be paired with Eriksen, who will be tasked with dictating the tempo and creating chances for the attacking players.
Right-wing: Antony – The Brazilian winger will likely be given a chance to showcase his skills on the right wing, where he can cut inside and look to link up with United’s central attackers.
Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes will be the creative fulcrum for Manchester United, playing in his preferred number 10 role. His vision and passing range will be crucial in unlocking PAOK’s defense and setting up his teammates.
Left-wing: Amad Diallo – Amad has been one of United’s bright sparks this season and could get a chance to start on the left wing. His dribbling and ability to create chances will be a key weapon for United in breaking down the Greek side.
Striker: Marcus Rashford – Rashford will lead the line for United, operating as a central striker or as a left-sided forward. His pace and finishing ability will be a key asset in exploiting the spaces behind PAOK’s defense.

PAOK Salonika: Key Players and Team News

On the other hand, PAOK Salonika are a side that will not make things easy for Manchester United. The Greek side has historically been competitive in European football, and although they are considered underdogs in this tie, they have the capability to pull off an upset.

Diego Biseswar and Antonio Colak are two key figures for PAOK, and both will likely be involved in the attack against United. Biseswar, in particular, is known for his creativity and ability to make things happen in the final third.
Central defender Yevhen Khacheridi will be vital in defending against the aerial threat and pace of United’s forwards. The experienced Ukrainian will need to lead the defense with composure and discipline.

Conclusion

Manchester United’s upcoming Europa League match against PAOK Salonika is shaping up to be an important fixture, not just for United’s hopes of progressing in Europe but also for the development of players like Amad Diallo and the continued integration of summer signings. Despite missing several key players due to injury, Erik ten Hag has a squad brimming with quality, and he will be hoping his team can put in a professional performance to take all three points. For Amad and the rest of United’s attackers, this is the perfect opportunity to shine on the European stage and prove their worth to the manager. The battle for places in United’s first team is intensifying, and every game offers a chance to make an impact.