Talking points ahead of Omonia clash

Wednesday 05 October 2022 07:01

The onus is on Manchester United to react to Sunday's derby defeat to City, with two more away games on the agenda this week.

A rare Sunday evening fixture involves a trip to Merseyside to face Frank Lampard's much-improved Everton but, before then, Erik ten Hag's team are in Europa League action against Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus.

There are many topics for debate in the wake of the Etihad Stadium loss, here are a few of the items for discussion among fans, in advance of the 17:45 BST kick-off on Thursday...

DEFENSIVE INJURIES

Raphael Varane hurt his ankle in the derby and was forced to withdraw during the first half, after blocking a shot from Phil Foden. We await an update on the France international but, hopefully, it is not too serious. Harry Maguire was absent after sustaining an injury on international duty with England, while full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was also not in the matchday squad.

Victor Lindelof replaced Varane, lining up alongside Lisandro Martinez in his first Premier League outing of the campaign, a second in all competitions for the Reds after also appearing against Real Sociedad.

OPTIONS IN ATTACK

Anthony Martial announced his return from injury with a double strike in the 6-3 reverse, showing a real hunger for goals that was evident during pre-season. The Frenchman's availability will be a real boost and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is another contender for the centre-forward role after being an unused substitute at the weekend. Ronaldo scored in our previous European match, at Sheriff Tiraspol, and it is encouraging to see so many different permutations available to Ten Hag, when it comes to his attacking positions.

SQUAD ROTATION

The European games have allowed the boss to give some valuable game-time to certain players and have a look at various individuals in different scenarios. For instance, he switched Tyrell Malacia to right-back and Jadon Sancho into a false-nine role in the second half in Moldova. There have been opportunities for youngsters to gain experience as well, with Charlie McNeill making his senior debut in the Real Sociedad tie.

It will be interesting to see how many changes are made to the line-up, with the Everton contest taking place on Sunday and possibly having a bearing on this.

IN THE DUGOUT

There is a familiar face managing Omonia, with Neil Lennon in charge of the Cypriot side. The Northern Irishman played against United 12 times in his career (three wins, three draws and six defeats). The former Leicester City and Celtic midfielder scored against us when claiming a late consolation for the Foxes in a 3-1 loss at Old Trafford in November 1996.

"We are all very excited about playing Manchester United for a number of reasons," said Lennon in the Daily Record. "Obviously because they are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It will be a great experience for my players and some of them are Manchester United supporters!"

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Each game on the road following the Reds provides lifelong memories for our club staff.

ANOTHER EARLY KICK-OFF

As is the case with each of our three away games in the group, the match will start at 17:45 in the UK. The home matches at Old Trafford all begin at 20:00. Cyprus are currently two hours ahead of us in England and it's a long trip for the squad. Remember to follow all of our build-up in the United App and on ManUtd.com.

THE STATE OF PLAY

United currently sit in second spot in Group E, behind leaders Real Sociedad, who have maximum points after two fixtures. Sheriff are in third, on three points like the Reds, while Omonia have yet to get off the mark. However, their narrow defeat in Spain, last time out, will give them encouragement. Sheriff entertain La Real in matchday three, with the tie also kicking off at 17:45 BST.

A reminder that the top side progresses automatically to the knockout stage of the competition next year, while the runners-up meet a third-placed team from the Champions League in a play-off.

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