Amad Diallo will replace Alejandro Garnacho, while Joshua Zirkzee will start as the central striker when Manchester United host PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Manchester United will be desperate to clinch their first win of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League when they welcome PAOK to Old Trafford on Thursday night. And Ruud van Nistelrooy does not have any new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire remain on the sidelines due to their calf issues, while Kobbie Mainoo has a hamstring injury, and Antony has an ankle complaint. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have greeted positive updates on the team news front, with Mason Mount and Leny Yoro resuming training this week.
However, Christian Eriksen’s availability is uncertain, with the Danish international recovering from a knock. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, van Nistelrooy addressed the situation around Yoro’s much-awaited return. The Dutchman also spoke about Malacia. Shaw, and Maguire.
The Manchester United interim manager said, “He’s been managed very well after his injury in pre-season. It was obviously going to be a long one. Big moment, first time back in team training. He’ll be back partially over the coming weeks and we’ll look to get him on board as quick as possible.”
On Malacia and Maguire, van Nistelrooy said, “Tyrell is the furthest [along] at the moment. He’s been part of team training for a couple of weeks now, fully in team training with no restrictions. It’s good for him to plan game minutes, maybe in the under-21s, we have to see. Harry is still inside working on his rehab, Luke also does pitch work like he did today and he’s progressing there to do hopefully partial team training soon.”
Andre Onana should take his spot between the sticks, with Manchester United lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against PAOK on Thursday. The backline will feature Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, considering Mainoo and Eriksen are on the sidelines. Bruno Fernandes will reprise the no. 10 role, with Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford being the wide attacker. Finally, Joshua Zirkzee will spearhead the attack against PAOK, with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho dropping to the bench.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, de Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
