Manchester United Back in Training: Preparing for Europa League Showdown with PAOK

After a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford last night, Manchester United’s players—both senior and younger members—are back to business at Carrington. The team has returned to training to focus on their upcoming Europa League match against PAOK, which will also take place at Old Trafford. With interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy closely watching over the sessions, players are determined to work on key aspects that could be decisive in securing a win.

Focused Training Sessions Under Van Nistelrooy’s Supervision

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy led the team through a series of focused training exercises, each designed to build confidence and teamwork ahead of the PAOK game. The former United striker knows the importance of thorough preparation, ensuring that the squad is both mentally and physically ready for this European showdown.

Training Highlights and Achievements

In training, players were divided into groups to work on specific areas essential for the upcoming game. Here’s a look at the key focuses and achievements from the session:

1. Finishing Drills

With goal-scoring chances being an area of focus, players worked on their finishing skills. Key strikers, including Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund, focused on shot accuracy and speed, aiming to boost their confidence in front of the goal. Van Nistelrooy himself stepped in, offering personal tips from his legendary career.

2. Defensive Organization

The defensive squad, led by Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, concentrated on positioning and quick transitions. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining shape under pressure, anticipating that PAOK may use counter-attacks. Young defender Alvaro Fernandez showed promise with quick thinking and adaptability in these drills.

3. Midfield Control

Midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro worked through advanced ball control and passing drills under tight pressure. Van Nistelrooy’s guidance highlighted the need for quick, accurate passing to maintain control of the game. Hannibal Mejbri stood out for his energy and creativity, linking well with senior players and proving he’s ready for the Europa League stage.

4. Set-Piece Practice

Set-pieces continue to be a crucial scoring opportunity for United, so the team practiced corner kicks, free kicks, and set-play defense. Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen spent extra time perfecting corner delivery and free-kick accuracy, aiming to maximize any set-piece chances against PAOK.

5. Team Tactics and Strategy

The training concluded with a tactical session, where Van Nistelrooy outlined strategies for handling PAOK’s play style. Players went through simulated plays focusing on rapid ball movement, anticipating PAOK’s defensive setup, and applying pressing tactics to regain possession quickly.

Ready for the Europa League Challenge?

The mood at Carrington remains positive, with players looking sharp and committed. The team hopes that the improvements and hard work put in during training will pay off, helping them secure a crucial Europa League victory against PAOK.