Football Today
·8 de noviembre de 2024
Football Today
·8 de noviembre de 2024
Manchester United registered their maiden victory in the Europa League campaign by beating PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford last night.
A second-half brace from ‘magnificent‘ Amad Diallo proved the difference between the two sides.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy won his second game out of three as the team’s interim manager.
Speaking after the game, Diallo lauded Van Nistelrooy for his contributions since his arrival in the summer.
He said (via TNT Sports): “It’s been a long time since we won in Europe.
“It is important to score every time. This season I have been a little bit unlucky but I am happy to score two goals.
“(The second goal) It is the work which we did in training. We have to press the opponent. I did my job, won the ball and scored.
“He [Ruud van Nistelrooy] has been important for everyone since he arrived. He is very close to the players. He is there to help all the players.
“He is very important to this team.”
United are now 15th in the Europa League table after beating PAOK with six points from four games.
Van Nistelrooy moved to Old Trafford in the summer to be part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff.
He joined as assistant manager due to his love for United, turning down potential managerial offers from other clubs.
The former United striker has expressed his desire to stay at Old Trafford after Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
The Portuguese will bring his own coaching staff, who have been with him since he started as a manager.
This has led to a lot of uncertainty about the Dutchman’s future.
Diallo’s comments show that the players are fond of Van Nistelrooy and want him to stay even after Amorim takes charge.
The Dutchman could help the incoming boss connect better with the fans and the players.
However, it could also lead to possible conflicts, considering they prefer to play different styles of football.
Amorim fields his team with a three-man defence, with wing-backs playing a crucial role in the system.
Van Nistelrooy supports a more traditional back-four, and his thoughts may not align with the Portuguese.