Omonia Nicosia vs Man United preview

Match preview

Manchester United will try to recover from their Manchester derby defeat when they return to Europa League action against Omonia in Group E on Thursday night.

The Red Devils have three points from their first two games to sit second in the rankings, while their Cypriot hosts are at the bottom with no points.

Competing in Group E with the likes of Real Sociedad and Manchester United was always going to be difficult for Omonia, whose continental journey is on the verge of being cut short after defeats to Sheriff Tiraspol and Sociedad.

Omonia occupy fourth place on the table after two matches, with only one goal scored and five conceded in continental action so far, but they have at least managed to claim back-to-back domestic wins over Enosis and Doxa in recent weeks.

Winning four consecutive Premier League games would appear to be ideal preparation for the trip to Omonia, but Man United were simply ripped to shreds by those in sky blue.

Man United have now lost two of their last three games in all competitions under the ex-Ajax coach, and the Red Devils currently sit three points behind group leaders Real Sociedad. Although Man United and Omonia have never met in a competitive match before, the hosts will be encouraged by the Red Devils’ lacklustre defensive efforts over the weekend.

Omonia Nicosia vs Man United form guide

Omonia’s last 5 games – LLLWW

Doxa Katokopias	0 – 2	Omonia Nicosia
Omonia Nicosia	4 – 0	Enosis Paralimni
Real Sociedad	2 – 1	Omonia Nicosia
Apollon Limassol	2 – 1	Omonia Nicosia
Omonia Nicosia	0 – 3	Sheriff Tiraspol

Man United’s last 5 games – LDWDL

Man City	6 – 3	Man Utd
Man Utd	0 – 0	Leeds
Sheriff Tiraspol	0 – 2	Man Utd
Crystal Palace	0 – 0	Man Utd
Man Utd	0 – 1	Real Sociedad

Key stats

Manchester United will be only the third Premier League team to take on Omonia Nicosia in a major UEFA competition. Arsenal faced them in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994-95, and Manchester City faced them in the UEFA Cup in 2008-09.
Omonia Nicosia has lost all four games against Premier League opponents so far.
Until now, Manchester United had never faced a team from Cyprus.
In 26 appearances, Omonia Nicosia has only one win in major European competition. They have lost 19 games and drawn six.
Manchester United has been in good form on the road in the Europa League, winning five of their last six away games.

Omonia Nicosia vs Man United prediction

Ten Hag’s team will see Thursday’s game as a golden opportunity to get back on track, and we have faith in the Red Devils to get the job done quickly, Hence we go with the following pickings in this fixture: