Manchester United will aim to ramp up the pressure on Real Sociedad in Europa League Group E when they host Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils have had two wins in their last two games, one at Everton in the Premier League and the other against Omonia Nicosia away last week. They currently sit three points behind Real Sociedad, who are first in Group E, which makes it very important for Erik ten Hag’s men to win against Nicosia at any cost.
However, having narrowly won 3-2 in Nicosia, Ten Hag will be wary of the challenges Neil Lennon’s side can pose at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Team News
Anthony Martial is a doubt ahead of the Europa League game after he was forced off with an injury in the first half against Everton on Sunday, with Erik ten Hag confirming it to be a fresh injury.
Martial’s French teammate Raphael Varane returned after recovering from an ankle sprain in the closing stages of the game at Goodison Park, but Harry Maguire, Donny Van de Beek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe are still out for Manchester United.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Omonia Nicosia (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea’s outstanding save in the dying minutes of the game at Everton helped Man United return home with all three points. The Spanish goalkeeper is a certainty to start again in the Man United lineup.
Defence
Despite Raphael Varane returning in the closing stages of the game on Sunday, Erik ten Hag will likely stick with the centre-back pairing of Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez in the Man United lineup. Lindelof and Martinez, along with full-backs Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, will aim to keep a clean sheet this time around against Omonia.
Midfield
As Scott McTominay is suspended for the Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday after picking up his fifth booking at Everton, Ten Hag could go with the Scotsman in the centre of the park to keep Casemiro fresh for the weekend.
McTominay should partner Christian Eriksen in the Man United engine room, with Bruno Fernandes bringing creativity from his preferred no.10 position. Fred will again have to be content with a role on the bench and try to impact the game if called upon by Ten Hag.
Attack
An injury against Everton makes Anthony Martial a big doubt, thereby, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo with a strong chance of featuring from the start after putting in a strong display and scoring against Everton in what was his 700th club goal.
Antony will retain his place on the right flank in the Man United lineup, while the in-form Marcus Rashford starts on the left. Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga may get involved from the bench at some point in the second half.