Manchester United turn their attention to the Europa League on Thursday when they travel to Cyprus to face Omonia Nicosia.
Erik ten Hag’s men are second in Group E having picked up three points from their first two games. They beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 last time out on their travels, with Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring for the Mancunian side.
The onus is on the Red Devils to react to Sunday’s harrowing 6-3 defeat to cross-town rivals Manchester City, with Ten Hag’s side putting in a sub-par performance in the derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester United are set to be without the services of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane for the trip to Omonia Nicosia. Maguire is sidelined after sustaining an injury on international duty with England, while Varane was forced off during the first half of the Manchester derby with a sprained ankle and will undergo further tests to determine the extent of the injury.
Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was not in the matchday squad against Man City for an unspecific reason and misses out once again.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea had a forgettable afternoon against Man City at the weekend, shipping six goals. The Spaniard will be eager to keep a clean sheet in Nicosia on Thursday.
Defence
Raphael Varane’s latest injury opens the door for Victor Lindelof to come into the Man United lineup. The Swede, who replaced Varane midway through the first half against City, should team up with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the defence in the Man United lineup.
Diogo Dalot should keep his place at right-back, with Luke Shaw replacing Tyrell Malacia at left-back in the Man United lineup.
Midfield
Changes are expected in midfield after a poor show in the Manchester derby, and Ten Hag could hand Casemiro just his second start of the season. The Brazilian will sit in front of the back four and look to control the flow of the game.
Christian Eriksen could be afforded some rest after having played regularly since arriving at the club, and the Dane could be replaced by Fred, whose understanding with Casemiro in the double pivot will be key for the Reds in and out of possession.
Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, is likely to retain his place in the No.10 role in the Man United lineup as he hopes to bring the creativity and flair to unlock the Omonia defence.
Attack
With games set to come thick and fast, there will be rotation up front. Cristiano Ronaldo could be in line to spearhead the Man United attack after being an unused substitute against Man City. Marcus Rashford could then switch to the left flank, with Antony retaining his position on the right in the Man United lineup.
Anthony Martial announced his return from injury with a brace in the defeat to City, and the Frenchman’s availability will be a big boost for Ten Hag.
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