Omonia Nicosia v Manchester United predictions: Martial plan can help recovery

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Omonia Nicosia v Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 5.45pm Thursday

Best bet

A Martial first goalscorer
1pt each-way 4-1 bet365

Team news

Omonia Nicosia
Moreto Cassama is out but Hector Yuste should be pushing for a start.

Manchester United
Multiple changes are anticipated although Raphael Varane is unlikely to feature and Harry Maguire is still struggling with a hamstring issue.

Match preview

Manchester United head to Cyprus licking their wounds following Sunday's 6-3 humbling against City in the derby, but a European trip should give them some relief and a Frenchman can help spark the recovery.

The game was already over at the Etihad when Anthony Martial scored two goals in the later stages, but there was enough hunger from the striker to suggest that his days at Old Trafford are not numbered after all.

It was telling that he was charged with trying to gain some pride rather than Cristiano Ronaldo, who was left to stew on the bench, and Thursday's game against Omonia Nicosia should give Martial another chance to impress.

He looks likely to take it with both hands and it could be that United bounce straight back and see the City defeat as a blip, particularly as they had won four league games in succession before that loss.

Martial's pace and strength could prove a real handful for the Cypriots, who are managed by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, and he can set United on their way to a sixth victory in seven European away games.

The difference in the quality of the opposition could hardly be more stark.

Omonia have won their last two league games without conceding but their Europa campaign got off to a miserable start when they lost 3-0 at home to Moldovans Sheriff, where United won a fortnight ago.

They look unlikely to take advantage if United are off the pace, as they undoubtedly were when falling behind to four first-half goals at the Etihad.

Marcus Rashford is another player who, now fit again, should look to impress and the motivation will still be there for Ronaldo to show he's still around and make a point to Erik ten Hag.

But Martial showed his appetite at the weekend when many had given up, so he could be the one who takes his chance.

Key stat

Manchester United have won five of their last six European away games.

Inside info

Omonia Nicosia

Penalty taker Bruno
Assist ace Fotis Papoulis
Set-piece aerial threat Nemanja Miletic
Card magnet Mikkel Diskerund

Manchester United

Penalty taker Cristiano Ronaldo
Assist ace Bruno Fernandes
Set-piece aerial threat Anthony Martial
Card magnet Diogo Dalot

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