Neil Lennon said last week in Nicosia how much he was looking forward to being back at Old Trafford and he had spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson after the draw was made. He is out on the pitch at the moment, observing Omonia’s warm-up, and savouring his first experience as a manager at United. Managing Celtic, Hibs and Bolton did not present any opportunities to encounter United.
Erik ten Hag has explained why he picked a strong United side to play Omonia on Thursday night.
Manchester United defeated Everton 2-1 at the weekend and Ten Hag has made just three changes from the team that started at Goodison Park, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Fred and Tyrell Malacia all coming into the starting line up to play Omonia at Old Trafford.
Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez will start together at centre-back, while Fred will play alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Ronaldo will lead the attack with Antony and Marcus Rashford on the right and left wings respectively.
Tonight is the first of 10 games in 31 days for United, which may have informed some of Ten Hag’s changes tonight. Eriksen and Varane should not be starting against Sheriff in two weeks’ time, either.
Their progress is measured by their league performances but you can see Ten Hag selecting strong teams against Real Sociedad in an attempt to win the group and in the League Cup tie against Aston Villa. Win two games in that competition and you’re in the quarter-finals.
— Chirag Godara (@iChiragg) October 14, 2022