Manchester United Celebrates Europa League Win

In a recent Europa League match, Manchester United celebrated a long-awaited victory against Greek champions PAOK, marking their first win in European competition in over a year—380 days to be exact. The triumph came largely thanks to a second-half double from Amad Diallo, who emerged as the standout performer amidst a generally underwhelming display from the United squad.

Amad Diallo Shines In the Match

Amad struck first with an impressive looping header off a cross from Bruno Fernandes just five minutes into the second half, followed by a second goal that came after he displayed commendable determination to reclaim possession and fire the ball into the bottom corner, aided by a deflection. However, the victory did not come without concerns, particularly regarding striker Rasmus Hojlund, who was heavily critiqued for his performance during the match.

Hojlund's Struggles Under Scrutiny

Hojlund, who started the game up front, managed a mere 10 touches before halftime and struggled to have any significant impact in attack. Paul Scholes, a former United midfielder and football pundit, along with Ruud van Nistelrooy, United's interim manager, expressed their disappointment with Hojlund’s display. Scholes noted that the young striker failed to pose any real threat to the PAOK defense.

"There was a brief moment after we scored where PAOK appeared dangerous, but overall, we controlled the game well," Scholes commented on TNT Sports, further stating, "I was a little disappointed in Rasmus Hojlund. I think he will improve, especially under a coach who believes in him." The lack of an effective partnership between Hojlund and Fernandes was highlighted, with both pundits emphasizing the need for Hojlund to establish better link-up play with the United captain.

“It’s key for Rasmus to have strong partnerships in the team,” Scholes elaborated. “He had a tough night, and while he can make those runs when Bruno turns, it just didn’t happen enough.”

Team Dynamics and Future Outlook

Ruud van Nistelrooy echoed these sentiments, observing that although there was improvement in the team's positioning during the second half, Hojlund's runs into the box were often unmet by timely crosses.

The young Danish striker’s struggles this season are evident, having scored just twice in 11 outings, a disappointing tally compounded by a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined at the start of the campaign. In a sign of further woes, he was substituted for Joshua Zirkzee in the dying minutes of the match, who has himself been struggling for form and has not found the back of the net since the season opener against Fulham.

Hojlund's Response to Criticism

Despite the criticism, Hojlund took to Instagram post-match to express gratitude to the fans, sharing: “No witty caption tonight. Just wanna thank you guys for hearing those chants when we’re on pitch. Never getting used to it and absolutely loving it. Congrats @amaddiallo19 you deserved it!”

Looking Ahead for Manchester United

As Manchester United looks to build on this victory, fans will be eager to see whether Hojlund can find his footing and transform his performances to match the expectations that accompany wearing the iconic red jersey.