Two teams searching for their inaugural victories in the league phase of the Europa League will clash at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, as Manchester United welcome PAOK.
The Red Devils have secured draws in all three European matches, placing them 21st out of 36 teams in the standings ahead of matchday four, while PAOK have registered one draw along with two defeats, positioning them 30th in the table.
Team news
United will be missing Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, and Leny Yoro due to injuries.
Christian Eriksen has been sidelined for the past two games due to a knock and will need to undergo assessment to determine his availability; meanwhile, Mason Mount is unlikely to be featured despite returning to training this week.
PAOK will be without Tiemoue Bakayoko due to injury, while Dejan Lovren, Mbwana Samatta, and Vieirinha are ineligible as they were not part of the Europa League squad.
The stats
Ruud van Nistelrooy led the team to a 5-2 victory against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup in his first match in temporary charge of United, followed by a 1-1 draw in the Premier League against Chelsea.
The Red Devils have scored two or more goals in three out of their last five matches across all competitions, though they have failed to secure a clean sheet during that period.
United captain Bruno Fernandes has netted three goals in the last two appearances.
PAOK are currently on a winning streak of two matches and have remained unbeaten in their last four away games.
The Greek team has managed to score in all 10 away games this season, however, they have faced defensive challenges recently, with only one clean sheet in the last five matches.
Prediction
Following Sporting's 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, United supporters will be eager to witness what incoming manager Ruben Amorim can accomplish upon officially taking the helm of the Red Devils on Monday.
Before that transition, interim manager Van Nistelrooy will aim to sustain the positive momentum by clinching their first Europa League victory of the season.
There is an air of optimism surrounding the club since Erik ten Hag’s departure, and Van Nistelrooy has instigated an attacking improvement, with six goals scored under his guidance in the past two games.
However, defensive vulnerabilities persist within United, who have not managed to keep a clean sheet in their last five home matches, potentially providing PAOK with the opportunity to find the back of the net.
The Greek side has been prolific in away fixtures, scoring in all 10 matches this season, suggesting they could play a role in what promises to be an engaging evening in Manchester.