PAOK Match: Man Utd Player Ratings, Diallo's Heroics
The Red Devils were pushed to the limit in a thrilling pre-season clash against PAOK, with Amad Diallo's late heroics securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory. It was a match that highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of Erik ten Hag's squad, with some players shining brightly while others struggled to make an impact.
A Thrilling Encounter:
The game was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, with both teams showcasing impressive attacking intent. Man Utd took an early lead through Antony's dazzling strike, but PAOK fought back with two quick goals to take the lead. The atmosphere was electric, and it felt like the Greek side might snatch a shock win.
But then came the hero, Amad Diallo. The young winger, looking to make a statement, stepped up to the plate. He first set up Jadon Sancho's equaliser with a brilliant run and pass, then sealed the victory with a clinical finish in the 89th minute.
Let's dive into the player ratings for this dramatic encounter.
Man Utd Player Ratings:
Amad Diallo - 9/10: This was his night. Diallo was a constant menace down the right wing, creating chances and scoring the winning goal. His pace, trickery, and finishing were on another level. He looked like a man possessed.
Jadon Sancho - 8/10: Sancho continued his impressive pre-season form with a well-taken goal and some skillful play. He was a constant threat, and his partnership with Diallo was exciting to watch.
Antony - 7/10: The Brazilian winger was a handful for the PAOK defense, scoring a stunning opener with a trademark curling strike. He showed glimpses of his usual magic, but his impact was hampered by some wasteful decisions in the final third.
Casemiro - 7/10: The Brazilian veteran continues to be a calming influence in midfield. He protected the defense well, controlled the tempo of the game, and played some clever passes.
Bruno Fernandes - 6/10: The Portuguese midfielder wasn't at his best but still contributed some dangerous moments in the final third. He showed glimpses of his passing range and creative spark, but he was too easily dispossessed at times.
Raphael Varane - 6/10: The French defender made a crucial interception in the second half to prevent a certain goal. He was generally solid, but there were moments where he looked shaky alongside his partner.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 5/10: The right-back had a tough game, often struggling to contain the pace of the PAOK wingers. He needs to improve his attacking output and decision-making.
The rest: The remaining players struggled to make a significant impact on the game, but they played their part in the hard-fought victory.
A Sign of Things to Come?
This match highlighted the depth and quality of the Man Utd squad. Despite the setbacks, the team showed resilience and ultimately emerged victorious. With the Premier League season just around the corner, this performance is a promising sign of things to come.
The Red Devils are ready to roar again!