More stories

  • in

    Man Utd matchwinner Amad Diallo to be handed triple-your-money new deal with contract set to expire

    AMAD DIALLO will be offered a new five-year contract before the end of the year to keep him at Old Trafford.The 22-year-old’s current deal runs out at the end of the season and the club are yet to trigger the option of a year’s extension.Amad Diallo is set to be offered a bumper new deal by Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersBut United do not want to do that as they want the exciting winger on a completely new deal.After scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over PAOK on Thursday night in the Europa League, he made it clear he wants to put pen to paper on that new contract.Amad said: “I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to play for this club, and yeah, I want to stay here for a long, long, long time to make history with this club.”The deal could see the young star’s current £29,000-a-week wages triple to around £90,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined United in January 2021 from Atalanta in a £19million deal potentially rising to £37.2m and has had loan spells both at Rangers and Sunderland.Amad was a huge success with the Black Cats in 20022-23 and was named the club’s young player of the year.He returned to Old Trafford but has struggled to hold down a first team place.While he was United’s player of the month for August, his start against PAOK was his first in seven games but what a game it was.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 5ft 8in winger opened the scoring with a rare header in the 50th minute against the Greek Champions.It was his second that stood out as he wrestled back possession in the 77th minute before curling a shot in.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanHe said: “We worked on it training. We have to be aggressive. I pressed the defender, and I took the ball and then shot. So I was happy to score.”Amad has not kicked up a fuss because of his lack of first team chances but his application in training demanded a start on Thursday.He came in for Marcus Rashford and ahead of £86m man Antony.Amad said: “I always try to do my best, even when I am not starting I am focused.“I know I was Player of the Month in August, but I have moved on. I am focused for now, for the future and to give my best for the shirt and get this team back on top again.”He got a knock on his ankle on Thursday night forcing him off before the end of the game and it will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s home game against Leicester.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

  • in

    Former England wonderkid and Premier League title winner, 31, drops down to seventh tier of English football

    FORMER England wonderkid and Leicester title winner Liam Moore has dropped down to the seventh tier of English football with Spalding United.The defender, 31, had been with League One outfit Northampton Town last season.Former Reading stalwart Liam Moore has joined seven-tier Spalding UnitedCredit: PAThe former England wonderkid used to play for LeicesterCredit: Getty – ContributorHe made eight appearances for the club following seven years in the Championship with Reading.But Moore will now be playing in the Southern League Premier Division Central — English football’s seventh league — after penning a deal with Spalding.They lie 18th in the table after just five wins in 14 matches.And Moore has gone straight into the squad for this weekend’s trip to Stratford Town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe signing of the nine-time Jamaica international is a major coup for Spalding.Moore was once tipped as a future England star after featuring 10 times for the U21s.The centre-back has played for a variety of top sides including Brentford, Bristol City and Stoke.And he even has a title win with Leicester after leading them to glory in the Championship a decade ago.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMoore, who played 67 times for the Foxes was also part of the squad which won the Premier League title under Claudio Ranieri in 2016.However, he spent the first half of that campaign on loan at Bristol.And Moore did not make a single league appearance upon his return, leaving him ineligible to receive a winners’ medal.He previously admitted he was forever haunted by the league’s decision to not officially recognise his contribution as a squad player.Moore said: “It would have taken just five appearances to get a winners’ medal, and that medal I would have cherished for ever. I remember crying, trying to hide my tears, but saying I would be back stronger for this. “It was so difficult, but it was such an eye-opener. It will go down as an amazing day, but a tough day in my career. My family were coming and everyone was adamant I had played a part in how we had got to that point. “Everything was great during the game (a 3-1 win over Everton), but it hit me when I wasn’t on the podium — I hadn’t played any minutes in the league (for Leicester) that season. “The moment they said, ‘And this season’s Premier League champions are… Leicester City’, and Wes lifted the trophy, it was one of the best and worst feelings in my life. “I had just seen my boyhood club, the club that means so much to me, become champions, but I then realised that some of the decisions I had made in the past year had cost me the chance of being involved.” More

  • in

    Ruud van Nistelrooy still hasn’t been told if he’s staying at Man Utd just four days before Ruben Amorim takes over

    RUUD van Nistelrooy is still waiting to hear if he will be part of the plans at Manchester United going forward.The Red Devils’ interim boss has taken charge of three games for the club but will be replaced by new manager Ruben Amorim on Monday.Ruud van Nistelrooy still doesn’t know if he is staying on at Old TraffordCredit: PAThe Dutchman could be surplus to requirements after Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: AlamyVan Nistelrooy was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s assistant manager this summer, but could now be surplus to requirements with the Dutchman sacked last week.And despite valiantly stepping up to guide United through their post-Ten Hag fixtures, he’s still none the wiser on where his future lies just FOUR DAYS before Amorim arrives.No official decision has been made public on the future of the former Man Utd star yet and even he appears to be in the dark about what’s happening – despite constantly checking his phone for updates.Speaking to TNT Sport after he led United a 2-0 win over PAOK, he said: “I did [check my phone] when I left your [TNT] desk. I checked my WiFi an it was all on.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”But nothing yet. Patience, patience.”It looks like he will have to be patient as he waits for the execs at Old Trafford to decide his fate.But first he has to prepare for his last game in charge of the club he represented 219 times as a player.Van Nistelrooy will be in the technical area as boss for the final time before Amorim’s imminent arrival for United’s clash with Leicester this weekend.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is set to take up his role as Man Utd boss on MondayCredit: PAUnited chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to inform Ruud van Nistelrooy of his future at Man UtdCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/ASunSport exclusively revealed last week that the Man Utd first team are desperate to for Van Nistelrooy to stay, with an insider saying players have “made their feelings clear internally”.While the former Real Madrid star has said himself that he wants to stay and honour his assistant contract which is set to run until the end of next season.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanHis time in charge has seen him guide the team to a 2-0 win over PAOK, a 5-2 trashing of Leicester in the Cup and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the league.Speaking last month, Van Nistelrooy said: “I decided to come back here for a very important reason.“I came as an assistant to help the club move forward.“It’s going to be a short job as an interim – that was communicated very clear.“I was happy with that. I will then go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next.“When a new manager signs and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.”Ruud van Nistelrooy guided United to a 2-0 win over PAOK on ThursdayCredit: Getty More

  • in

    David Moyes slams Man Utd flops for hiding behind Ten Hag and reveals why Amorim in ‘completely different situation’

    DAVID MOYES accused Manchester United’s flops of hiding behind sacked boss Erik ten Hag.The former Red Devils manager also slammed the players for refusing to accept responsibility for their poor form.David Moyes has claimed that Man Utd players were hiding behind Erik ten HagCredit: GettyTen Hag was sacked by United last weekCredit: PASporting Lisbon chief Ruben Amorim takes over on Monday following the end of Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half-year reign last week.David Moyes was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet when he claimed the players were willing to let Ten Hag “take the hit.He said: “I think the players are quite happy to hide behind managers at the moment — let the managers take the hit.“I could do with some of them coming out and saying, ‘By the way, I know I’m not quite at it at the moment. I’m not playing well enough just now’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We’re not getting much of that and I actually think Manchester United have got really, really talented players.”The Scot, who has not managed since leaving West Ham at the end of last season, feels Amorim is coming into a totally different club from when Moyes himself arrived at Old Trafford to succeed 13-time Prem title-winner Sir Alex Ferguson.United are currently 13th in the Premier League ahead of hosting Leicester on Sunday.And Moyes told the Stick to Football podcast: “He’s in a completely different situation.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is starting his role as Man Utd manager on MondayCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I was really fortunate to take over the champions of England at the time — and probably coming into a dressing room which had great respect for Alex and what he’d done.“At the moment, players might be looking now and saying, ‘Hey, by the way, if we don’t step up…’’David Moyes felt under appreciated by West Ham fans’ but Julen Lopetegui can win cup | Karren Brady“The manager might be coming from a stronger position because these players are going to have to actually step up.”Moyes, 61, also felt United lost touch with the way they used to treat managers when he arrived.He added: “They didn’t sack managers. When Alex wasn’t doing so well, they didn’t do it. They stood for something which was really admirable. “A bit of class and actually that dropped away, probably, at that time.”What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

  • in

    Chelsea player ratings: Tyrique George has a debut he’ll never forget but team-mate Renato Veiga fails to impress

    CHELSEA hammered Noah to make it four straight wins in Europa Conference League football. The West Londoners have picked up maximum points after SIX scorers got in on the action. Chelsea celebrate their drubbing of NoahCredit: ReutersTosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Axel Disasi, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku scored.Here is how Dan King rated Chelsea’s performers from Stamford Bridge.FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.AXEL DISASI – 7Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.READ MORE IN football TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.Tosin Adarabioyo got in on the goalsCredit: GettyBENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in second half.RENATO VEIGA – 5Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.Most read in FootballEnzo Fernandez put in an improved performanceCredit: RexTYRIQUE GEORGE – 8 Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.JOAO FELIX – 8At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.Joao Felix got two in quick successionCredit: GettyMYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.MARC GUIU – 7The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.SUBSKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.READ MORE SUN STORIESSAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping.Samuel Rak-Sakyi replaced NkunkuCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chelsea 8 Noah 0: Blues run riot with flood of first-half goals to go top of Conference League table

    NOT even Noah could handle this flood as Chelsea ran riot and made a mockery of the Conference League.The two-times European champions were six nil up by half time with five different goalscorers as they sunk Armenia’s fourth best team at training ground pace.Chelsea battered Noah 8-0 in the Conference LeagueCredit: APArmenian side Noah were sunk by a sea of goalsCredit: ReutersWhat is most surprising is that qualifiers Noah held out for 11 minutes before going behind and even gave Chelsea a couple of scares on the biggest night in their short history.Neither team belongs in this competition with twice Champions League winners Chelsea slumming it after a couple of crazy seasons following a takeover in 2022.Minnows Noah have only been in existence for seven years and had to scrap all the way through three qualifying rounds and a play off just for the chance to fly 3,000 miles from their hometown to get thrashed under the lights at Stamford Bridge.Blues squad players Tosin Adarabiyo and Marc Guiu scored their first goals for the club since signing in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd £42million Portuguese forward Joao Felix helped himself to two goals by the break.Noah – named after the Biblical boat that finally ran aground on Armenia’s Mount Ararat – were holed below the water line very quickly and never recovered.Tosin got the rout underway by heading in an Enzo Fernandez corner on 11 minutes.Teenage centre forward Guiu made it two straight from the kick off when Noah’s defence crumbled after just three passes, allowing the young Spaniard to cash in and bury a shot.Most read in FootballTosin Adarabioyo scored his first Chelsea goal and opened the scoringCredit: PAMarc Guiu doubled Chelsea’s leadCredit: GettyChelsea ratings vs NoahSUNSPORT’S Dan King rates Chelsea’s young guns after their flood of goals against Noah.FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.AXEL DISASI – 7Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.BENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in 2nd half.RENATO VEIGA – 5Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.TYRIQUE GEORGE – 8Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.JOAO FELIX – 8At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.MARC GUIU – 7The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.SUBSKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.SAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea were three up and home and hosed by 18 minutes when defender Axel Disasi scored with his head in a similar fashion to the opening goal and from the same provider.Blues’ skipper Fernandez then teed up Felix to score the first of his first half double with a threaded ball having dispossessed the hopeless visitors in front of their own area.Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford BridgeA shot from Felix cannoned in off a defender for his second just before half time.And Mykhailo Mudryk, struggling to make his presence felt in the Premier League this season under new head coach Enzo Maresca gave his confidence a boost by curling in a classy right foot shot six minutes before the interval.Maresca was so confident of victory that he subbed captain Fernandez at half time, replacing him with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. He could have left both off and it would not have mattered a jot.More good news for Chelsea fans was the sight of star forward Cole Palmer walking comfortably pitchside before the game, offering hope he will be recovered from a whack on the knee at Manchester United last Sunday in time to face Arsenal this weekend.Christopher Nkunku claimed his ninth goal of the season and Chelsea’s seventh of the night on 69 minutes when his first shot was blocked by the keeper but he kept his composure to hook home the rebound.Chelsea are clear favourites to win this tournament outright. Their biggest victory in Europe prior to last night was a 13-0 win over luxembourg’s Jeunesse Hautcharage in the 1971 Cup Winners’ Cup.They closed in on it at frightening pace when Nkunku made it 8-0 from the penalty spot 14 minutes from time.Mykhailo Mudryk netted a stunning goal to continue his form in EuropeCredit: ReutersJoao Felix scored a brace but missed an absolute sitter tooCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku managed the same featCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Man Utd player ratings: Amad by far the best player and HAS to start in league but Dalot needs to concentrate more

    AMAD DIALLO sent the message that he should be in the starting XI loud and clear to Ruud van Nistelrooy and incoming boss Ruben Amorim.The 22-year-old was a bright spark in an otherwise largely laboured performance from Manchester United as they beat PAOK 2-0.Amad Diallo was superb as Man Utd laboured to a 2-0 win over PAOKCredit: PAUnited started slowly in the Europa League tie before managing to squeeze out a first win in European competition for over a year.It was a low-key first half at Old Trafford.But after the break Amad made the difference for the Red Devils as his lopping header across the box ended up finding the far side of the goal net, before he won the ball back high and curled a shot into the same corner.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United players on Van Nistelrooy’s penultimate game as interim manager. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley. But any other stops were pretty routine. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display. An increasingly dependable presence by the week.  Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter. Started a few attacks as well. ‘That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanJONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance. DIOGO DALOT – 4 Diogo Dalot did not have his finest game with some shoddy defendingCredit: GettyUsually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.  Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier. CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward. Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest. MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped. Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off. AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Amad has made a case to start at the weekendCredit: AFPLivewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second. United’s best player by some distance. BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create. At least someone was! ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night. Hooked. READ MORE SUN STORIESRASMUS HOJLUND – 5Rasmus Hojlund was largely on the periphery of the gameCredit: PAOne early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls. No clear sights of goal, either. SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64)  6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/A More

  • in

    Man Utd 2 PAOK 0: Amad Diallo at the double as Red Devils pick up first European win in 383 days

    A LITTLE RED DEVIL finally gave Manchester United a glimpse of European heaven after so many dark days – 383 to be exact.Amad Diallo at 5ft 8in was the smallest man on the pitch last night.Manchester United welcome PAOK to Old Trafford for their fourth Europa League match of the seasonCredit: EPAThe Greek outfit frustrated the Red Devils for the first halfCredit: EPAAmad Diallo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a brilliant headerCredit: GETTYPut the pocket dynamo of footballing excellence was the one using his head to loop the ball into the far side of the net in the 50th minute.Then in the 77th minute, the tenacity of the Ivory Coast international saw him wrestle the ball into his possession before he released a stunning drive for his second.The 22-year-old is a star and he is only going to shine brighter and brighter as the years go on.He decided this Europa League contest and gave Manchester United only their second victory in Europe in 12 games.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIn fact, it was just over a year ago that they had anything to shout about away from domestic football and then it needed a last-gasp Andre Onana penalty save for a 1-0 win over Copenhagen.So this was something of an achievement given recent travails for a club that used to strike fear into the hearts of teams on the continent.This is a very different United, though. The fans visiting from Greece came with huge optimism.They had spent the afternoon enjoying Manchester’s City centre and were in full voice long before kick-off and throughout the game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/AEven at 2-0 down they kept going but it was the home faithful who had the most to shout about.Having said that, the Greek Champions would produce the best effort of the first half when Mady Camara’s volley was toughed over by Andre Onana.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyBefore that, there was some exciting attacking play from Alejandro, Garnacho, 20, on the left as always, but even better was Diallo on the right.The 22-year-old was in for Marcus Rashford who was benched and he was going to take his chance with some eye-catching play for incoming boss Ruben Amorim to enjoy from Lisbon.He got an early whack from Abdul Baba but he will not be intimidated.He had a penalty shout when he was bundled over by Baba who failed to win the ball. Despite a VAR check, there was no spot-kick given.Amad was firing balls in from the right and when he found Rasmus Hojlund in the centre of the box his header was straight at the goalkeeper.Diallo puts the work in too and when he sprinted from his flank to the left to block a clearance the crowd roared.The two young wingers almost combined to break the deadlock when Garnacho raced to the byline to whip the ball across the face of the goal.Diallo could just not reach it at the far post. United began the second half on the front foot.Fernandes was running the show with his short and long-range passes.It was his deep ball to the far post that was met by the jumping Diallo who nodded an arching ball through the sky, over the goalkeeper and in.He may have been just trying to get it back across goal to Rasmus Hojlund, but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.Off he raced to the corner flag, kissing the United badge, while a VAR check took place.Diallo bagged his and United’s second with a deflected strike in the 77th minuteCredit: GETTYDiallo proved to be a shining light in an otherwise drab night for the Red DevilsCredit: REXIncoming boss Ruben Amorim will no doubt be thrilled by Diallo’s performanceCredit: PANobody quite knew why, though, but it did give Diallo a second chance to celebrate when the referee confirmed the goal.He could have had a second soon after.With another searching ball, Fernandes picked out his run and after racing into the box his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski denying him with an outstretched leg.Garnacho dragged the spotlight across the pitch to him when he went on a wriggling run through three players in the box before hitting the deck.Again there were cries for a penalty again they were waved away.With a slender lead, United still had to be careful and they were caught napping in the 64th minute for what should have been the PAOK equaliser.Taison’s ball rolled unhindered past those in red and settled at the feet of Tarik Tissoudall.There was nobody near him and in football terms, he had all the time in the world, but shot straight at Onana.He held his head in his hands as did his teammates as The Stretford End breathed a sigh of relief.The sighs turned to roars when substitute Christian Eriksen launched a ball forward that PAOK’s Baba seemed to have under control.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Diallo was snapping at his heels, forced him off the ball, ran away with it and then from the edge of the area fired a curling drive home.What a goal, what a night for Diallo. More