Manchester United vs PAOK Saloniki: Europa League – live | Europa League

Ruud van Nistelrooy speaks to TNT Sports. “Good memories… the most important thing is to get the boys back to their best… a lot happened… the results weren't good… there was a lot of pressure on them… I don't have time to make big changes… my relationship with the team is going well very good… as an assistant coach you are closer to the boys than to the manager… that helps me a lot now… we really did it together… come on, we have four games together, let's make the most of it… all the results too achieve what we can…confidence is such a big thing in football…it affects performance and style…in the Leicester game we scored four goals in one half and wow, there's a great attacking style again…that's a stupid thing , confidence is one thing in football… when results come it's like a million dollars for strikers… the boys have to believe in it… Rasmus is working hard on his surprise game… Casemiro and Ugarte can communicate well with each other… they are in control of the moments we push…they’re doing really well and we’re benefiting from it.”

He was also asked when he expects to hear if he will remain under Ruben Amorim… and answers directly, as one would expect from him. “I’m concentrating on that and hopefully soon!”

There are a few old friends in the PAOK squad. Most notable for United fans is Shola Shoretire, the 20-year-old winger who joined PAOK in the summer after his Old Trafford contract expired. He sits on the bench. Baba Rahman, formerly of Chelsea, and Wolves defender Jonny start, while another former retiree, Tiémoué Bakayoko, comes on as a substitute. However, there is no room at all for former Southampton and Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's penultimate starting XI as interim manager of Manchester United sees the popular former striker make three changes following their 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans replace Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez at the back, while Amad Diallo replaces Marcus Rashford up front. All three substituted players are on the bench, alongside Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount, who are returning from injury.

The teams

preamble