**Unconvincing Man Utd Beat PAOK, Diallo The Hero**

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Unconvincing Man Utd Beat PAOK, Diallo the Hero

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over PAOK in the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie, but the performance left much to be desired. Despite the win, which secured a 3-2 aggregate victory, United's performance lacked the fluidity and sharpness expected from a team of their caliber.

The first half saw a subdued United struggling to break down a stubborn PAOK defense. Amad Diallo, making his first start for the Red Devils, proved to be the spark they needed. The young winger, on loan from Atalanta, displayed impressive dribbling skills and a knack for finding space.

Diallo was at the heart of everything positive for United, providing the assist for Bruno Fernandes' opening goal. The Portuguese midfielder expertly finished from close range, giving United a crucial lead in the 32nd minute.

The second half saw a slight improvement from United, with more urgency and attacking intent. However, they still lacked the clinical edge needed to put the tie to bed. Diallo continued to be a menace to the PAOK defense, showcasing his raw talent and potential.

The second goal came from a penalty, awarded for a clumsy challenge by PAOK's Ingasson on Brandon Williams. Fernandes stepped up to convert the spot-kick, putting the tie beyond doubt.

While the win was ultimately comfortable, the performance left many questioning United's ability to compete at the highest level. The lack of cutting edge in the final third was a major concern, and Solskjaer will need to address this issue if they are to achieve success in the Europa League and beyond.

Diallo, on the other hand, emerged as a shining light. His performance was a stark reminder of the talent at United's disposal and a sign of hope for the future. The 19-year-old's impact suggests he could be a key player for the club moving forward.

Here are some key takeaways from the match:

• Amad Diallo's performance was a major highlight, showcasing his immense potential.
• Manchester United's lack of attacking sharpness remains a concern.
• The win was a welcome boost, but the performance left much to be desired.

The victory over PAOK sees United progress to the Europa League quarter-finals. While the performance was far from perfect, the win gives them the chance to build momentum and potentially achieve something special in the competition. With Diallo's talent and the team's growing confidence, the Red Devils will be hoping for a more convincing performance in the next round.