Ruud van Nistelrooy provides injury update on 5 Manchester United stars ahead of Europa League clash with PAOK
Manchester United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has provided an update on Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Marucs Rashford ahead of the UEFA Europa League clash with PAOK on Thursday (November 6).
The Red Devils have been beset by injuries, with Christian Eriksen, Antony and Mason Mount - who have missed games due to injury - back in training at Carrington ahead of the continental clash.
As per United's website, Van Nistelrooy said about Yoro, who was back in training after surgery following an injury in pre-season:
“He’s been managed very well after his injury in pre-season. It was obviously going to be a long one. Big moment, first time back in team training. He’ll be back partially over the coming weeks, and we’ll look to get him on board as quick as possible.”
Rashford was involved in training as well, along with Malacia. Nistelrooy said about Malacia:
“Tyrell is the furthest (along) at the moment. He’s been part of team training for a couple of weeks now, fully in team training with no restrictions. It’s good for him to plan game minutes, maybe in the under-21s, we have to see."
He added about Shaw and Maguire:
“Harry is still inside working on his rehab, Luke also does pitch work like he did today and he’s progressing there to do hopefully partial team training soon.”
The Red Devils are coming off a 1-1 Premier League home draw with Chelsea at the weekend. Bruno Fernandes' 70th-minute opener was cancelled out by Moises Caicedo four minutes later as a share of the spoils ensued, leaving United languishing in 13th place.
Manchester United vs PAOK: A few tidbits
Manchester United have a rousing record against Greek opposition, going 6-0 in home games, scoring 20 times and conceding once, ahead of their first meeting with PAOK Salonika.
Meanwhile, PAOK have a less imposing record against English teams. After going undefeated in their first four - against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur - the Greek side lost to Chelsea in their next two clashes - in the 2018-19 season.
However, the Red Devils are in the midst of one of their worst forms in Europe, going winless in six games, including three this season, drawing against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce. They wouldn't want to venture into new ground by going seven games without a win in Europe.
Manchester United will fancy their chances, as their Greek visitors are winless in their last six Europa League away games, losing five, since October 2018.