Man Utd Ratings: Diallo Leads PAOK Victory
Manchester United secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over PAOK in the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 4-0 aggregate win. Amad Diallo was the star of the show, delivering a brilliant performance that earned him high praise. Here's a breakdown of the Man United player ratings:
Amad Diallo (9/10): The Ivorian winger was simply unplayable. He tormented the PAOK defense with his pace, skill, and directness. Diallo scored a stunning goal, displaying exceptional composure and technique, and provided a delightful assist for Bruno Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10): The Portuguese maestro pulled the strings in midfield, dictating the tempo and creating numerous chances. He capped off a fine performance with a well-taken penalty goal.
Anthony Elanga (7/10): Elanga was a constant threat down the left flank, showcasing his pace and ability to cut inside. He linked up well with Diallo and Fernandes, providing a dangerous outlet for United.
Scott McTominay (7/10): The Scottish midfielder was instrumental in controlling the midfield battle. He provided a solid platform for United's attack, winning tackles and breaking up PAOK's counter-attacks.
Harry Maguire (7/10): The captain led by example at the back, organizing the defense and making crucial interceptions. He was a calming presence and ensured a clean sheet.
Raphael Varane (6/10): The French defender was solid and composed, making several key tackles and clearances. He partnered well with Maguire to shut down PAOK's attacking threat.
Diogo Dalot (6/10): The Portuguese right-back was defensively sound and offered a steady presence on the right side. He provided some decent overlapping runs but didn't overly influence the game.
Fred (6/10): The Brazilian midfielder was energetic and worked hard in midfield, providing cover for the backline. He also helped control the tempo and move the ball forward.
Juan Mata (6/10): The Spanish veteran came on as a substitute and provided a calming influence in the final stages of the match. His experience and passing range helped United see out the game comfortably.
Marcus Rashford (5/10): The English forward was a bit quiet in this encounter. He didn't manage to find his scoring touch and had limited involvement in the game.
Nemanja Matic (5/10): The Serbian veteran came on as a late substitute and helped maintain possession in the closing stages. He provided a calming presence and experience to the midfield.
Overall, it was a dominant performance from Manchester United, with Amad Diallo leading the charge with a dazzling display. The victory secures their place in the Europa League quarterfinals, setting up a potential clash against some of Europe's best. The team's strong performance will provide a boost of confidence heading into their next match.