Ruud van Nistelrooy speaking after his side’s win. (Image: TNT Sports)
Ruud van Nistelrooy issued a brutal analysis of Manchester United’s latest Europa League performance despite his side beating PAOK 2-0. The Dutchman watched his side toil for much of the night against the Greek side, but two second half goals from Amad sealed victory.
The Ivorian-born forward was the star of an otherwise uninspired United display, heading home a Bruno Fernandes cross after the break.
With time running out he then fired home brilliantly with his left foot from just outside the area, but speaking after the game, Van Nistelrooy wasn’t willing to let his team’s first 45 minutes go unnoticed.
“It was a pretty poor first half if I’m being nice,” he told TNT Sports. “The second half way was better. That was clear. Positionally we weren’t good in the first half. We were much better at that in the second half.”
The 48-year-old also spoke out on two players who enjoyed contrasting fortunes. After being snubbed so far this season under Erik ten Hag, Amad’s match winning display came courtesy of his displays on the training field, according to his temporary boss.
“He made a difference today, because of his goals but he was very sharp. Well done to him, good game,” he added. “He has been incredible in training, he always trains well and is asking me to do more.”
Van Nistelrooy celebrates his side’s first goal. (Image: Getty)
On the contrary however, it was another frustrating night for Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane managed just 10 first half touches, and wasted one golden opportunity when he failed to convert a header from Amad’s cross.
“It didn’t happen enough for him,” he explained. “In the second half we were better in positions but some of the crosses didn’t come for him.”
Van Nistelrooy will take charge for the final time on Sunday, the home Premier League match with Leicester. And before handing the reigns to Ruben Amorim, he can at least take pride in ending United’s wretched European run of seven games without a win.
And he insisted he wasn’t thinking beyond the weekend, with Amorim yet to confirm if the club icon will be kept on his coaching staff. “I said to the lads before the game that it was a year ago since the last European win at Old Trafford,” he added. “It was time to turn it around, build and change. It’s a big period at the club.”
“For me it was important to get results. I can only be happy with the performance that the players put in. I enjoy it but Sunday is another one and I’m so focused on doing that so I’m not thinking of what is next.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1973198/Man-Utd-Ruud-Nistelrooy-PAOK-Europa-League