Man Utd vs Omonia Nicosia: Team news, kick-off time, how to watch & referee info

Manchester United host Omonia Nicosia on Thursday night in their fourth Europa League fixture of the season. The Red Devils have taken six points from the opening three games, beating Omonia 3-2 last week in Cyprus and earning a comfortable victory away to Sheriff Tiraspol, while they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad in the opening game.

It leaves United in a healthy position to progress to the next stage of the competition, although first place is their ultimate aim as top spot secures an automatic place in the last 16. Should United finish second, they’ll face a Champions League drop-out which could include sides such as Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan or Atletico Madrid.

That’s why taking three points from Thursday’s game remains key for Erik ten Hag’s men, who returned to winning ways at the weekend with a 2-1 victory at Goodison Park. Goals from Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured they grabbed a first Premier League win in over a month due to the various cancellations. The latter also scored his 700th career goal during the match.

The Portugal star was, however, profligate in front of goal when United met Omonia last week. Ronaldo registered eight shots and didn’t score from any of them, including a late chance from just a few yards that saw him hit the post.

Whether United’s No.7 will be involved against Neil Lennon’s side on Thursday is unknown, with the Red Devils short of options up front at present. There’s every chance the former Real Madrid and Juventus attacker may be saved for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

As for the visitors to Old Trafford, Omonia have lost all three games so far in the group stage, even if they did give United a scare last week and were leading at half-time. Omonia are currently sixth in the Cypriot top flight and have an even split of wins and losses from their opening six matches.

Ahead of Thursday’s encounter, here’s all the key information…

When is Man Utd vs Omonia?

The match kicks off at 8pm on Thursday 13 October 2022.

Is Man Utd vs Omonia on TV?

Yes, the match will be shown live in the UK on BT Sport 1. More information can be found here.

Who is the referee?

Jerome Brisard is the man in charge for Thursday’s game. The Frenchman will be assisted by Benjamin Pages, Alexis Auger and Hakim Ben El Hadj, while Benoit Millot and Eric Wattellier will oversee VAR.

Team news

Ten Hag confirmed in Wednesday’s press conference that Anthony Martial will not be available following the injury he suffered against Everton at the weekend. The striker picked up a back problem which will prevent him being involved on Thursday and could rule him out of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle.

Also missing are Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek. Raphael Varane is expeted to sit this one out after he missed training on Wednesday. The centre-back came on for the final minutes at Goodison but is still working his way back to full fitness and is currently on an individual training programme. As a result, he’s unlikely to play on Thursday.

With United playing nine games in October and Thursday’s opponents representing a relatively kind fixture, it could afford Ten Hag the opportunity to rotate his squad. David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Antony have started all three matches since the return from the international break and are prime candidates to be rotated.

As for Omonia, Brazilian goalkeeper Fabiano, who impressed in last weekend’s meeting, is a doubt. He was replaced in Monday’s loss to AEL Limassol with Lennon claiming he ‘assumes’ the 34-year-old won’t play at Old Trafford.