Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United ate humble pie on Sunday, and now will be looking to take the lessons from the derby demolition and move forwards.
Next up for Manchester United is Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia, away at the GSP Stadium in Northern Cyprus.
Ten Hag’s men will look to rediscover the mostly strong run of form they had prior to the international break, and after Sunday’s 6-3 hammering at the Etihad Stadium it is imperative they show the fight that they lacked so heavily on that afternoon.
Here’s how the two teams have fared in recent weeks:
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Manchester United
Last five results: W, W, L, W, L
On this list is three wins, but only one of these has come in the last month. The death of the Queen of England, and then the international break, halted what looked like strong progress from Ten Hag’s men.
Coming back and facing the most dominant striker in world football right now was not the easiest way to hit the ground running again.
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With a long and difficult month ahead of them, United do not have time to lick their wounds. They must bounce back immediately.
Changes to the side are almost certainly going to be made, and one of them will be man-mountain centre half Rapha Varane dropping out due to an injury picked up in the derby - maybe the day’s biggest loss.
Omonia Nicosia
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Last five results: L, L, L, W, W
Three losses in the last five for the opponents, two of them being in the Europa League, do not put the hosts in the strongest of positions coming into this tie.
However, in their last two matches they have won both games by scores of 4-0 and 2-0 respectively, which will boost their confidence going into the tie.
United are the favourites, but upsets have happened before and the Nicosia outfit should not be underestimated by United fans.
Topics: Manchester United, Europa League
Yusuf Haq