Manchester United interim coach Rudd Van Nistelrooy has handed his side their first win in a European competition for over 54 weeks.
The Red Devils have been winless both in the Champions League and in the Europa League games for over a year now.
The win against POAK has placed Manchester United in a position to challenge for the top 8 in the new UEFA Europa League standing as revealed that the first eight teams will have automatic qualification to the knockout round of the competition and teams from 9th to 24th will face each other for a place in the knockout phase.
United are now on six points from four games, meaning that Van Nistelrooy has used just a game to equal Erik Ten Hag’s points tally of three points from three games.
Ivorian wing wizard Amad Diallo was at his best for Van Nistelrooy’s side, scoring two superb goals against the Greek side POAK at Old Trafford.
Diallo in the 51st minute climbed up the air to meet Bruno Fernandes’ looping cross and guarded it into the far post for United’s opener.
The former Atalanta man pressed hard again in the 77th minute and robbed former Chelsea left-back Baba Rahma of the possession while curling home superbly from the edge of the box for United’s seconds of the night.
Under Erik Ten Hag, United has played three Europa League games this season and has drawn all three before their game against POAK.
Ten Hag’s assistant Nistelrooy, whom people considered as unlucky not to have the United job on a permanent basis took charge of the team and has done superbly since his appointment, beating Leicester City who are going to be their next Premier League opponent 5-2 in the Carabao Cup, a 1-1 draw against Chelsea and recording success in Europe putting him on at least a point in every competition he has coached as a man united manager.
“It’s been a long time since we won in Europe. It was important to win. I was a bit unlucky this season [with goals], so I’m happy to score. The most important thing is the victory.” Amad Diallo was quoted as saying.
“He [Ruud van Nistelrooy] has been important for everyone since he arrived. He is close to the players. He is there to help all the players.” He continued.
“I like to celebrate with the fans and give them joy.” Amad added.
