In a thrilling match on November 7, 2024, Manchester United secured their first win of the Europa League season, defeating PAOK Salonika 2-0 at Old Trafford. This victory marked a significant accomplishment for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, as he successfully led the team to a win after Erik ten Hag's tenure saw only draws in the previous three matches.

The star of the night was undoubtedly Amad Diallo, who scored both goals for United, showcasing his skills and determination. Diallo broke the deadlock just five minutes into the second half, executing a beautiful looping header into the bottom corner, aided by a precise cross from Bruno Fernandes. This goal ignited the Old Trafford crowd, eager to witness a much-needed victory.

Despite Manchester United's dominance, PAOK refused to back down without a fight. The Greek side had several chances to equalize, with their best opportunity coming in the 64th minute. Taril Tissoudali found himself unmarked, but his shot lacked the necessary power to beat United's goalkeeper, André Onana, who expertly tipped the ball over the bar.

As the match progressed, Diallo struck again, sealing the victory in the 77th minute. Demonstrating incredible persistence, he dispossessed Baba Rahman, shrugged off the defender's challenge, and fired a curling shot that found its way into the net, thanks to a slight deflection.

With this win, Manchester United now sits with six points in their Europa League group, a welcome boost for their aspirations in the tournament. "It's been a long time since we won in Europe. Today we showed why we are one of the best teams," Amad Diallo proudly stated after the match. "It was important to win today. I’ve been unlucky this season, so I'm thrilled to score two goals, but the most crucial thing was the victory."

Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who stepped in to replace Ten Hag just ten days prior, expressed relief at the team's performance. "It was a pretty poor first half, if I'm being nice. The second half was much better," he remarked. He also praised Diallo's contributions, highlighting how his sharpness and goals made a palpable difference in the game.

Looking forward, United aims to build on this momentum as they continue their quest in the Europa League, while PAOK must regroup and refine their tactics to find success in their upcoming matches. The stage is set for an exciting season ahead, and fans are eager to see whether Manchester United can reclaim their former glory in European competitions.