PAOK vs Man Utd: Ratings, Diallo Key in Europa League Win
Manchester United secured a crucial 2-0 victory over PAOK in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie. The Red Devils dominated possession and created a number of chances, ultimately sealing the win thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and a controversial penalty from Anthony Martial.
Diallo's Impact
One of the key factors in the victory was the impressive performance of Amad Diallo. The young Ivorian winger, making his first start for the club, injected pace and creativity into the United attack. His direct running and ability to beat defenders troubled the PAOK backline throughout the match.
Diallo's impact was evident in the first half, where he consistently found space and posed a threat. He displayed an impressive work rate, tracking back defensively and contributing to the overall team performance.
Match Ratings
Here's a look at some of the key player ratings from the game:
Manchester United:
- Amad Diallo (8.5): A standout performance, showcasing his immense potential. Dynamic and skillful, he was a constant threat.
- Bruno Fernandes (8): Scored a brilliant free-kick and pulled the strings in midfield.
- Anthony Martial (7): Scored a penalty but missed a number of other opportunities.
- Harry Maguire (7): Solid defensively and a leader at the back.
- Scott McTominay (7): Controlled the midfield and provided defensive solidity.
PAOK:
- Chuba Akpom (6): A handful for the United defense, but lacked support from his teammates.
- Omar El Kaddouri (6): Tried to create opportunities but was often isolated.
- Fernando Varela (5.5): Struggled to contain the pace of the United attack.
Controversial Penalty
The second goal, a penalty awarded to Martial after a questionable foul by Dimitris Limnios, sparked debate. The referee deemed the challenge a foul after viewing the incident on VAR, but some argued it was not a clear and obvious error.
Regardless of the controversy, United will be pleased with their performance and the vital away goal advantage. The result puts them in a strong position heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.
Looking Ahead
With Diallo proving his worth and the team showing promise, United will be looking to build on this performance in the upcoming Premier League games. Their second leg against PAOK will be another opportunity to showcase their progress and secure a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.