Manchester United defeated PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday, their first victory of the current Europa League season, despite playing poorly.

After some perplexing treatment by former manager Erik ten Hag, Amad Diallo’s brace in the second half proved to be the difference that night, as the Ivorian found his rhythm again under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The club as a whole played poorly, running out of ideas in the last third, even though new manager Ruben Amorim may have found himself with his right-sided attacker.

The team’s mindset needs to alter after the new manager takes over, as the players appeared sluggish and scarcely displayed any genuine urgency against the Greek champs.

Rasmus did poorly against PAOK.Although he openly supported him in his pre-game news conference, the performance of his number nine will be a worry. At least the interim manager has put the squad back on the winning track.

Rasmus Hojlund’s performances will inevitably be erratic due to his youth and inexperience, but United needs more from their star striker.

The Dane found it difficult to maintain possession of the ball under duress and frequently attempted passes to teammates too casually.

In 89 minutes, he barely touched the ball 16 times and completed four of six passes—startling statistics that underscore the enormous task Amorim faces.

The 21-year-old didn’t try a single dribble and lost one significant opportunity. In addition, he won three aerial battles but lost four of five ground duels.

Amorim has a big challenge ahead.According to sofascore, the Denmark international lost control seven times, managed zero crosses and long balls, and failed to make a single crucial pass.

Unfortunately, Van Nistelrooy was forced to retain Hojlund for as long as he did due to the performance of summer recruit Joshua Zirkzee.

Viktor Gyokeres, who went from being a Championship striker with Coventry City to being one of Europe’s best at Sporting Lisbon, is an example that Amorim has to replicate.

Unfortunately, United has a fairly youthful attacking line that is prone to terrible days because of their poor recruitment. Whether INEOS is compelled to assist in January or how the new head coach organizes his house this season will be interesting to see.