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Man Utd vs PAOK Preview, Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

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Manchester United side take on 4-time Greek champions PAOK Salonika at Old Trafford in their fourth Europa League group stage match on Thursday.

A revitalized Manchester United face 4-time Greek champions PAOK Salonika at Old Trafford in their fourth Europa League group stage match on Thursday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee his first and only Europa League match as Manchester United’s interim manager against PAOK.

It’s been over a year since United last won a competitive European fixture, with their most recent victory coming in a 1-0 win over Danish side Copenhagen in October 2023.

Since then, Manchester United have endured a six-match winless run in European competitions, with two losses and four draws—their worst streak in Europe since 1983.

The Premier League giants have drawn all three of their Europa League games this season, letting leads slip in the 1-1 draw with Twente and the 3-3 stalemate with Porto. In the latter, a late Harry Maguire header rescued a point for Erik ten Hag’s side, securing a last-minute equalizer.

United also squandered another lead in their 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul, with Christian Eriksen’s 15th-minute opener being cancelled out by a powerful header from Youssef En-Nesyri.

The draw against José Mourinho’s side saw Manchester United drop to 21st place in the Europa League, just two points above their next opponents, PAOK, who sit in 30th.

Domestically, United have endured another slow start to the season, with three wins, three draws, and four losses in their first 13 Premier League matches.

With just 12 points from 10 matches, Manchester United have made their worst start to a league season in 40 years, since the 1986-87 campaign.

Following Ten Hag’s dismissal, Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim manager, leading Manchester United to a 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the EFL Cup and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League. Van Nistelrooy is set to manage two more matches this week before Ruben Amorim officially takes over on November 11.

The Dutch manager will be aiming to secure United’s third win in 10 games on Thursday night in their first-ever competitive clash against PAOK.

PAOK will make their Europa League return after a four-year absence, following a quarter-final finish in the Conference League last season. Along with United, they are one of eleven teams still seeking their first win in this year’s competition after failing to secure a victory in their opening Europa League matches.

PAOK’s start to the Europa League has been just as disappointing as United’s. The Greek champions were beaten 3-1 by Galatasaray in Istanbul, followed by a 1-0 loss at home to Steaua Bucharest. However, they earned their first point of the campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Viktoria Plzen, coming from two goals down in the final six minutes at home two weeks ago.

Despite their struggles in Europe, Razvan Lucescu’s PAOK have made a strong start to their Greek Super League title defense, collecting 20 points from their first 10 matches. Their latest result was a 2-1 away win over Lamia last weekend, leaving them just one point behind league leaders Aris Thessaloniki.

With a heavyweight clash against perennial rivals Olympiacos on Sunday, Lucescu will be hoping to finish Thursday’s game on a high to boost his team’s morale, while also managing their fitness to avoid fatigue ahead of the big match.

PAOK will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat against English opponents when they face United, having already lost back-to-back matches to 2018-19 Europa League champions Chelsea.

Man Utd Vs PAOK match details

  • Date: Thursday, 7 November, 2024
  • Location: Manchester, England
  • Venue: Old Trafford
  • Kick-off time: 9:00 PM GMT, 20;00 UTC
  • Referee: Radu Petrescu
  • Assistant referees: Radu Ghinguleac, Mircea Mihail Grigoriu
  • Fourth official: Marcel Birsan
  • VAR: Daniele Chiffi
  • Assistant VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo

Match stats and head-to-head

United have won all six of their home matches against Greek opponents, scoring 20 goals and conceding just one.**

Overall, United have faced Greek teams 12 times across all competitions, winning eight, losing one, and recording three draws.

The Red Devils are winless in their last five Europa League matches, with four of those ending in draws.**

United and PAOK are among 11 teams this season in the Europa League yet to secure a win after their opening three games.

United captain Bruno Fernandes averages three shots per game in this season’s Europa League, the highest of any United player.

PAOK have lost five of their last six away matches in the Europa League.

United midfielder Manu Ugarte has made 10 tackles in this season’s Europa League, the joint-fourth most in the competition.

Noussair Mazraoui has made 28 ball recoveries in the Europa League, the most by any United player and the fifth-most in the competition.

Team news

United’s midfield duo of Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen have returned to training and will be assessed for their availability ahead of this clash.**

Club captain Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for United’s trip to Turkey to face Fenerbahçe, will be available for Thursday night’s match against the Greek champions.

As of now, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are still sidelined with hamstring and calf injuries, respectively. Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro are progressing in their recoveries from knee and ankle injuries, while Brazilian winger Antony is ruled out due to an ankle injury.

For PAOK, former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko will miss the clash due to injury.**

38-year-old veteran defender Vieirinha, who scored against United during his time at Wolfsburg, is also unavailable as he was not included in PAOK’s squad for this competition.

Former Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren and ex-Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta are also ineligible for the game, having been omitted from Razvan Lucescu’s squad.

Former United forward Shola Shoretire, who spent 10 years at the club before joining PAOK on a free transfer, is in contention to face his former team. He will hope to replicate the feat of his former teammate, Facundo Pellistri, by scoring against a former Premier League club in Europe.

Predicted starting lineup 

Man United predicted starting lineup:

Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.

PAOK predicted starting lineup:

Kotarski; Jonny, Kedziora, Colley, Rahman; Camara, Ozdoyev; Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison; Chalov.

Prediction

Confidence has been high in United’s camp since Ruud van Nistelrooy took over, but goals remain a concern, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee still struggling to find their scoring form.

On the other hand, PAOK come into the game on the back of two consecutive wins, scoring at least once in each. They will be hoping to secure their first win of the season in the competition.**

While United have scored first in their last two matches, their defensive vulnerabilities could once again prove to be their Achilles’ heel against a potent PAOK attack.

However, United boast superior quality and are tipped to secure their first European win in over a year.

We’re predicting a 2-1 win for United. 

Last Updated on November 7, 2024 by News Time

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Carragher criticizes Spurs boss Postecoglou after Chelsea loss

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Tottenham Hotspur suffered their second consecutive Premier League defeat, losing 4-3 to Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday.

Ange Postecoglou’s side made a sensational start, scoring two goals in 11 minutes, but Jadon Sancho quickly pulled one back for Chelsea. The Blues equalized with a penalty in the second half, before Enzo Fernandez put them ahead with a brilliant strike.

Spurs conceded another reckless penalty, allowing Chelsea to take a 4-2 lead. Heung-min Son scored a late goal in stoppage time, but it was only a consolation.

Immediately after the game, manager Postecoglou insisted there was no need to change the club’s approach, despite racing into a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was unimpressed with Postecoglou’s comments, stating that he couldn’t imagine any former Reds manager being pleased after conceding four goals.

He said: “The manager keeps telling us he won’t change. I can’t imagine any manager when I played for Liverpool, after conceding four goals, saying that we played well.

Spurs on the slump

The London heavyweights were exceptional against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last month, dominating the reigning champions and winning 4-0.

This was followed by a string of four winless matches. Spurs drew with Roma and Fulham, and have now suffered back-to-back losses against Bournemouth and Chelsea in the league.

Spurs are in a dismal run of form, worsened by injury concerns. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven returned from injury yesterday, but Romero suffered another setback.

Van de Ven was also substituted due to a minor injury. With a congested schedule in December, Postecoglou needs to get his team back to winning ways or risk being sacked in early 2025.

Spurs face Rangers away in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by a league visit to Southampton on Sunday.

 

Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by News Time

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West Ham considering Michael Carrick to replace Lopetegui

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West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui’s position is under growing pressure as the team struggles in the bottom half of the Premier League, despite significant summer spending to rebuild the squad.

With only four wins in 14 matches this season, the Hammers could part ways with their manager if he fails to secure a win against Wolverhampton Wanderers this evening.

According to the Mirror, West Ham are eyeing Middlesbrough coach Michael Carrick as a potential replacement. The 43-year-old has done a brilliant job with Boro, who are in the hunt for Premier League promotion. While West Ham are keen on signing him, his current employers will do everything possible to keep him until at least the end of the 2024/25 season.

Carrick would be a welcome addition

Michael Carrick has been a revelation in the Championship over the past few years, with his attractive style of football earning widespread praise. The Englishman would be a brilliant addition to West Ham, not only because of his short but successful coaching career but also for the fresh approach he could bring to the team.

Carrick has had an illustrious two-decade career in the Premier League, winning the title five times with Manchester United. He also spent five years at West Ham, giving him a deep understanding of the Premier League and making him a trusted figure for the role.

The now-Middlesbrough coach has also had a brief stint in the Premier League, serving as caretaker manager at Manchester United in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal. During that time, he managed to secure some respectable results while the Red Devils were struggling.

Carrick’s legendary status would earn him the respect of the dressing room, while his appointment as a younger manager could bring a breath of fresh air. The team needs someone with new ideas and a more attractive brand of football to move forward.

It remains to be seen whether Carrick will push to leave Boro if West Ham come calling, or if he prefers to continue his promotion campaign with the club before making the jump to a bigger side.

Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by News Time

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Bayern Secure Deals for Superstars; Davies to Remain

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Bayern Munich’s big news is that contract talks are progressing well for stars Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich.

One of the biggest stories from Bayern Munich is that contract negotiations are progressing well for stars Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, despite growing interest from clubs across Europe.

This news comes at the perfect time for loyal Bayern fans, who can buy tickets with confidence knowing their star players are set to stay.

As Bayern focuses on securing contracts, particularly for Jamal Musiala, the official stance is that no contract will be finalized until December.

Asked after the 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga against Borussia Dortmund about a potential contract extension for the former Southampton youth player before Christmas, Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said.

“We’re talking very intensively, well, a lot,” Eberl clarified. “I would like to put it under everyone’s Christmas tree, but I can’t promise that today.

However, for Bayern Munich ticket holders, this offers some consolation. Back in September, Musiala was a key target for several English clubs, including Manchester City and Liverpool.

The youngster has always shown grit and determination, and his style of play matches many other styles But, for now, Musiala is here to stay.

Kane Out for the Year

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany stated that he hopes injured star striker Harry Kane will return to the pitch before the end of the year.

“There’s a chance he’ll play again this year,” Kompany said at a press conference ahead of Bayern’s German Cup last-16 clash against defending champions Bayer Leverkusen.

The 31-year-old forward suffered a hamstring tear during Saturday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Borussia Dortmund and will miss “a few games,” according to Kompany.

Bayern, the Bundesliga leaders, have five games remaining before the end-of-year break, including a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

England captain Harry Kane has been a key player for Bayern, scoring 20 goals in all competitions since the start of the season. His 50th overall goal for the club came in style, against FC Augsburg, where he went on to score a hat-trick in the match.

“You can’t replace him one-to-one. He’s a top player. But we’ll solve things differently. There will be no lack of talent tomorrow,” said Kompany.

“We have several options — Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Leroy Sané. Maybe not Kingsley Coman in that position.”

“Harry has scored 20 goals. You can’t replace that. But we have players who score goals, including Jamal (Musiala). We’ll have a solution. We have enough players who can fulfill the role, even if you can’t replace his goals one-to-one,” said Kompany.

Gnabry remains doubtful for Tuesday’s Cup match after missing the Dortmund game due to knee issues. However, midfielder Joao Palhinha returned to training on Monday following a muscle tear he suffered during international duty with Portugal last month.

The Future of Alphonso Davies

In the lead-up to the Bundesliga kick-off, Bayern’s Alphonso Davies was the hot topic across football platforms—he wanted to leave Bayern Munich. Fans who had bought tickets were taken aback by the unfolding events, as the situation was not looking favorable for Bayern.

After contract negotiations didn’t go his way, Alphonso Davies wanted to leave Bayern Munich for a better paycheck.

However, it now looks like Davies could stay at Bayern, as the Canadian has reportedly lowered his financial demands, and his contract renewal is back on track.

The Battle of Davies

Alphonso Davies has become the focal point of the latest ‘battle’ between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Canadian’s contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season, and in addition to the two Spanish giants, several of Europe’s top clubs have shown interest in his situation, with the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer.

The left-back appeared determined to leave the Allianz Arena as a free agent next summer, but the situation has recently shifted. Davies was involved in an off-field incident when he was caught driving under the influence of alcohol, registering 0.6 grams per litre of exhaled air, which is above the legal limit.

Despite the incident, Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, chose to move forward and gave Davies a starting role in the Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund. This decision appears to have influenced Davies’ stance, with German media outlet Sport1 reporting that his attitude has shifted to one of regret and cooperation with Bayern. As a result, he has lowered his salary demands, and his contract renewal is now on track.

Bayern want to resolve Davies’ future in December

The relationship between Davies’ agent, Nick Huoseh, and Bayern Munich has improved, bringing the player closer to extending his stay in Bavaria beyond 2025. However, the recent legal incident involving the full-back has raised concerns among the club’s directors about his future, meaning all options remain on the table.

Bayern Munich aims to resolve Davies’ situation before the end of the year, with both Barça and Madrid closely monitoring the matter. In fact, Barcelona’s sporting management has already made initial contact with his representatives and is aware of the player’s demands, which include a signing bonus of around 15 million euros and a salary of approximately 10 million euros net per season.

No decision has been made yet, and both Barcelona and Real Madrid, along with clubs like Manchester United, are still considering the possibility of signing Davies as a free agent. However, the situation could be resolved in the coming weeks.

Bayern Munich ticket holders also understand that Davies’ decision is based on his relationship with the club and his career progression. He’s been a brilliant player on the field, and with Davies reassuring fans that he is here to stay, it brings some joy knowing he will remain at the club.

Manager Vincent Kompany deserves credit for his decision to give Davies a chance, allowing him to understand what he was missing and ultimately helping him regain his confidence.

Right now, Bayern couldn’t have asked for a better situation.

Fans can now purchase tickets for the remaining Bayern Munich games, starting in January.

 

Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by News Time

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