Team news for United v PAOK
Ruud van Nistelrooy provided fitness updates on several Manchester United players, during Wednesday’s press conference to preview the Europa League meeting with PAOK.
Journalists assembled at Carrington had already been given an insight into the squad situation, as they were able to watch a 15-minute segment of training during the morning.
They saw Christian Eriksen and Antony return to work after being absent for recent games due to injury, while Mason Mount was once again present as he builds back to full fitness.
Leny Yoro was welcomed back by the group for the first time since undergoing surgery in the summer and van Nistelrooy later gave a positive bulletin regarding the 18-year-old’s situation.
Have you seen the major boost in training?
OPEN TRAINING | Here's another chance to watch Wednesday's session, which began with a huge positive...
“He’s been managed very well after his injury in pre-season,” Ruud said.
“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.”
Marcus Rashford came out before the rest of the squad to do some extra individual work, which Ruud suggested did not signify anything special.
Tyrell Malacia was again involved, as he moves further along the path towards a full recovery from the issues that have kept him sidelined since May 2023.
It seems that the left-back is closer to a return than Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire but may require a couple of appearances for Travis Binnion’s senior Academy side before he can be considered for first-team minutes.
Ruud and Andre's press conference
PRESS CONFERENCE | Before the game, make sure you watch Ruud and Andre's compelling media briefing...
“Tyrell is the furthest [along] at the moment,” added our interim head coach.
“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.
“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.”
There was no news on young midfield duo Toby Collyer and Kobbie Mainoo, but Bruno Fernandes is available once again in Europe after serving his one-match ban last month.
Will Shoretire celebrate if he scores?
Shoretire exclusive | Shola is adapting to new surroundings and learning Greek, after leaving United for PAOK…
PAOK TEAM NEWS
The Greeks have included United Academy graduate Shola Shoretire in their squad, but starlet Giannis Konstantelias has missed the trip as he is on an individual training programme.
Jonathan Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Mbwana Samatta, Thomas Murg and Vieirinha are ineligible.
These are the 21 players who boarded the flight to Manchester: Kotarski, Balomenos, Monastirlis; Sastre, Jonny, Kedziora, Thymianis, Colley, Michailidis, Baba Rahman; Bakayoko, Kamara, Schwab, Ozdoev, Shoretire, Taison, Zivkovic, Despodov; Tissoudali, Chalov, Brandon.