Which country do Omonia Nicosia play in? Man Utd’s Europa League opponents profiled

Manchester United are in Europa League action on Thursday evening as they travel to Cyprus to face Omonia Nicosia.

The Cypriot outfit are managed by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, and are yet to win a game in the group stage of this year’s competition.

For their part, United will be aiming to bolster their own hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds after seeing off FC Sheriff in mid-September to record their first continental win of the campaign.

Erik ten Hag will also be eager to see his side bounce back from Sunday’s 6-3 derby defeat to bitter rivals Manchester City.

But what can they expect in Cyprus?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Red Devils’ midweek opposition.

History

Athletic Club Omonia Nicosia, also known as Omonia Nicosia, or simply Omonia, were founded in 1948 and are one of the most successful clubs in Cypriot football.

Over the course of their history, Omonia have won 21 national titles, 15 Cypriot Cups - including a penalty shootout triumph in last season’s competition - and 17 Cypriot Super Cups.

They also hold the distinction of being one of just three Cypriot clubs who have never been relegated from their domestic top flight.

Since October 1999, Omonia have used the 22,859 capacity New GSP Stadium, the largest stadium in Cyprus. The club share the ground with local rival APOEL.

Start to the season

As things stand, Omonia Nicosia currently sit fourth in the Cypriot top flight after a mixed start to the campaign.

Neil Lennon’s side have won three and lost two of their opening five matches, and are currently three points behind league leaders Aris Limassol.

European journey so far

Omonia’s Europa League campaign proper has gotten off to a sluggish start this season.

After soundly seeing off Belgian outfit KAA Gent in a play-off to secure their place in the group stage, the Cypriots have since lost successive matches against FC Sheriff and Real Sociedad.

Heading into Thursday’s match against United, they currently lie bottom of Group E with no points and a goal difference of -4.

Last season

Last season was a bit of a mixed bag for Omonia.

The format of the Cypriot top flight means that the division is split into two in its latter stages to decide who will challenge for the title, and who will be fighting the threat of relegation.

Omonia were forced to settle for a spot in the lower half of that play-off divide, but rallied to finish with the fourth best overall record in the league.

Things were much more auspicious in the cup, however, with Lennon’s side edging Ethnikos Achna to lift the trophy after a penalty shootout.

Since then, however, Omonia have lost the subsequent Cypriot Super Cup to defending league champions Apollon.

Head-to-head record

Omonia and United have never faced each other, meaning that Thursday’s clash will be a first for both clubs.

Interestingly, however, they have played Manchester City twice before, with both of those fixtures coming in the 2008 UEFA Cup.

City won both matches 2-1 to secure their passage to that year’s group stages.