Omonia vs Man Utd LIVE: Europa League result and final score as Rashford and Martial strike

Manchester United are hoping to get back to winning ways after a bruising 6-3 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday. They travel to Cyprus to face off against Omonia in their third Europa League fixture and could do with a win to secure their place in Group E. An opening home defeat to Real Sociedad has left Erik ten Hag’s side with no room for error and Omonia should be perfect opponents to build confidence back into the team.

The Cypriot side, now managed by former Celtic, Botlon and Hibernian coach Neil Lennon, are yet to get off the mark in the Europa League this term and have conceded five goals in their opening two defeats. Omonia also had a slow start to their domestic league campaign but have kept two clean sheets and secured two wins in their last two games.

On paper this is United’s match to lose but Ten Hag will need to rally his players after their ‘reality check’ loss in the Manchester derby. Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t feature on Sunday and was perturbed not to get on the pitch so expect the 37-year-old striker to play some part in tonight’s proceedings.

Follow all the action as Manchester United take on Omonia in the Europa League:

Omonia vs Manchester United

• GOAL! 85’ - Substitute Panagiotou gives Omonia hope with five minutes to play (OMO 2-3 MUN)

• GOAL! 84’ - Rashford adds a third to put United it total contorl (OMO 1-3 MUN)

• GOAL! 63’ - Martial adds a second with a fine strike to send United in front (OMO 1-2 MUN)

• GOAL! 53’ - Rashford comes off the bench to drill home the equaliser (OMO 1-1 MUN)

• GOAL! 34’ - Ansarifard sends Omonia in front on the counter-attack against the run of play (OMO 1-0 MUN)

• Manchester United second in Group E after two games

• Omonia XI: Fabiano; Matthews, Miletic, Yuste, Long, Lecjaks; Diskerud, Charalampous, Barker; Bruno, Ansarifard

• Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

AC Omonia Nicosia 2 - 3 Manchester United FC

Comfortable Europa League win for much-changed Arsenal

22:05 , Michael Jones

Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding and Fabio Vieira fired Arsenal to a routine 3-0 Europa League win over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.

Nketiah, yet to start in the Premier League this season, grabbed his second goal in two European appearances.

Then defender Holding, who has been on the pitch for just two minutes in the league this term, headed a second before Vieira tapped in a late third to make it two wins from two for Mikel Arteta’s men in Group A.

Glimt had stunned Roma 6-1 in the group stage, and knocked out Celtic, on their way to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals last season.

But their evening in north London did not get off to the best of starts when their bus got stuck on a tight bend in the narrow streets surrounding the stadium, forcing the players to get off and walk the rest of the way.

Comfortable Europa League win for much-changed Arsenal

FT Arsenal 3-0 Bodo/Glimt

22:02 , Michael Jones

This win takes Arsenal top of Europa League Group A, above PSV Eindhoven who thrashed FC Zurich 5-1 tonight. They Gunners have six points from two games - a perfect record.

These two have played one game fewer than Bodo/Glimt who are level on four points with PSV.

FT Arsenal 3-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:57 , Michael Jones

Arsenal have won as many as nine of their opening 10 games to a season in all competitions for just a third time in the club’s history, also doing so in 1903/04 and in 2007/08 (both nine wins).

Full-time: Arsenal 3-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:53 , Michael Jones

90+3 mins: Arsenal secure the clean sheet and collect all three points. They’re top of the Premier League and top of Group A in the Europa League. This is some start to the season for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Tonight’s victory was a commanding performance if the intensity dipped in the second half. Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira and Kieran Tierney all impressed to leave Arteta with some decisions to make ahead of the Liverpool game at the weekend.

Arsenal 3-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:50 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play. Arsenal are moving to the top of Group A after this victory. It will also be a first clean sheet at the Emirates since the 13th March.

Arsenal 3-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:47 , Michael Jones

87 mins: Close! Nelson hangs a nice cross into the box from the left side and drops it perfectly for Fabio Vieira. He wants to shoot but Brice Wembangomo gets in the tackle and clears the danger.

GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Bodo/Glimt (Vieira, 84’)⚽️

21:43 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Three! Fabio Vieiro scores a sitter thanks to the incredible dribbling skills of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian brings the ball to the byline and weaves in and out of three defenders before drawing in the goalkeeper and slotting the ball back to Vieira.

He meets it first time and guides the ball home to give Arsenal a third goal and the victory.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:40 , Michael Jones

81 mins: A good night for Eddie Nketiah comes to an end as Mikel Arteta subs him off to bring Reiss Nelson on for the last 10 minutes of the game.

Nelson is a solid young player who needs minutes to reach his peak performance.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:37 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Chance! A throw in sends the ball to Martin Odegaard who lets it run past his body before sliding a lovely pass into the box for Eddie Nketiah.

Nketiah makes the run in behind, gets to the ball and then shoots but fires the strike wide of the target!

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:35 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Opportunity for Bodo/Glimt after they win a free kick on the right wing. Pellegrino whips the set piece into the box but it’s won by Tomiyasu who heads the ball straight into the air and leaves it to Matt Turner who comes out to claim it.

15 minutes left to go at the Emirates.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:33 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Fabio Vieira swings a corner into the penalty area but it’s easily headed clear by the Bodo/Glimt defenders. Mikel Arteta’s changes have given Arsenal more control in the middle of the pitch and they look composed as they try to see this game out.

Bukayo Saka takes a knock from a late tackle and winces as he hobbles around the pitch.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:28 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Pellegrino bursts down the left side and leaves Saka behind. He’s closed down by Tomiyasu who out strengths the forward and wins a free kick for Arsenal.

There’s another change for the Gunners with Ben White coming on to replace Kieran Tierney.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:25 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Bodo/Glimt are now edging total possession in the game with 51% which you never would have guessed after the first half. It’s been a decent resurgence from the Norwegian side who just need a goal to kick their revival to the next level.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:21 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Arteta’s changes have kicked some life into Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus throwing himself into the game. Mugisha brings the ball down the inside right and looks to find Espejord on the wing but gifts the ball to Jesus who tracks back well.

The Arsenal man is playing on the left side of the front three with Nketiah keeping his position through the middle.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:16 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Here come Mikel Arteta’s changes. There’s three in total with Gabriel Martinelli, Granit Xhaka and Marquinhos taken off in favour of Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

Those aren’t bad replacements are they?

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:15 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Save! Bodo/Glimt pepper the ball into the Arsenal box and it drops to Amahl Pellegrino who shoots on the turn. The ball sneaks through a couple of defender and Matt Turner only spots it late yet he leaps low to his right and palms the ball away!

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:13 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Arsenal have just dipped in intensity since the game restarted for the second half so Mikel Arteta is prepping some changes on the sidelines.

Bodo/Glimt have created the better opportunities in this second 45 minutes and are moving the ball around nicely.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:10 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Patrick Berg is able to drive through the middle of the pitch and carry the ball right up to the edge of the box. He then lays it off to Joel Mugisha who has a dart and pulls his low effort well wide of goal.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:08 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Eddie Nketiah has scored 12 goals in his last 15 starts for Arsenal in all competitions, netting in each of his last four starts in the Europa League.

Not a bad back-up for Gabriel Jesus.

Second half: Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

21:04 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Bodo/Glimt restart the match but give the ball away deep in their own half. Arsenal work is brilliantly over to Martinelli who drives to the byline and heads towards the box.

He pulls the ball back to Granit Xhaka who shoots and forces Nikita Haikin into a leaping save to his left!

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial inspire Manchester United comeback in Nicosia

20:56 , Michael Jones

Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial sparked a comeback win in Cyprus as Manchester United survived a scare against Neil Lennon’s Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils made the 2,100-mile trip for Thursday’s Group E encounter reeling from Sunday’s chastening 6-3 derby defeat at rivals Manchester City.

The United boss thanked Pep Guardiola’s side for the “reality check” ahead of the trip to Cyprus, where Omonia threatened an even greater shock after Karim Ansarifard struck a dream opener for the hosts.

But ex-Celtic boss Lennon could not celebrate a famous win as Rashford’s brace and a strike from Martial set up a comeback victory that ended 3-2 thanks to Nikolas Panayiotou’s late goal.

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial inspire Manchester United comeback in Nicosia

Half-time: Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:48 , Michael Jones

45+1 mins: A perfect first half for Arsenal sees them take a comfortable lead into the break thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding.

It’ll be an easy team talk for Mikel Arteta: ‘More of the same please lads.”

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:45 , Michael Jones

42 mins: The corner comes to nothing but Arsenal attack again with Marquinhos trying to find Nketiah in the box. Bodo/Glimt manage to work the ball out for a throw but the Gunners get it quickly over to Fabio Vieira who pulls a shot wide of the right-hand post.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:41 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Marquinhos receives the ball on the right wing and cuts inside onto his left-foot before having a shy at goal. The effort takes a deflection and bounces over the top of the crossbar resulting in another Arsenal corner.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:40 , Michael Jones

36 mins: The game is starting to get stretched as Bodo/Glimt look for a way back into the match. Arsenal hit them with a counter and play Nketiah in behind.

He carries the ball into the box and looks to square it over to Gabriel Martinelli but hits a back-tracking defender and the visitors work it clear.

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:36 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Opportunity for Arsenal. They win a free kick right on the edge of the box with Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli stood over it.

Xhaka takes it and smokes an effort at Nikita Haikin who manages to palm it over the crossbar!

Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:33 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Bodo/Glimt have hardly created anything to trouble Arsenal but they’ve got the ball high up the pitch and are probing the Gunners’ defence.

The ball trickles through to Turner who takes no chances and boots it long.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Bodo/Glimt (Holding, 27’)⚽️

20:29 , Michael Jones

27 mins: There’s the second goal!

Arsenal win a corner that Fabio Vieira swings into the box. The initial delivery is nodded back out to him and he recycles a cross to pick out Rob Holding who powers a header into the bottom left-hand corner.

Arsenal 1-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:27 , Michael Jones

26 mins: As it stands Arsenal will be moving to the top of Group A after two games. They’ll replace tonight’s opponent’s who currently occupy that spot.

That goal will settle the nerves too and it won’t be surprising if Arsenal quickly add a second.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Bodo/Glimt (Nketiah, 23’)⚽️

20:25 , Michael Jones

23 mins: Arsenal finally lead! A threaded pass comes up to Gabriel Martinelli who feeds it over to the left side of the penalty area where Kieran Tierney is wide open.

He does shoot and blasts an effort into the far post where the ball rebounds out to Eddie Nketiah who does brilliantly to turn it into the back of the net!

Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:23 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Oh my god Arsenal just shoot!

The Gunners have five men in the box as Gabriel Martinelli flicks a cross in from the left side. He picks out Marquinhos who chests it down then dallies on the ball instead of fizzing off a quick effort.

Marquinhos gets tackled and Arsenal waste another good chance.

Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:21 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Xhaka takes up a great position in the box and is picked out by Tierney. In an effort to roll the ball onto his right foot Xhaka is forced to retreat and what should have been a promising attack dies down.

Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:18 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Xhaka sneaks into a little channel on the left side of the box but overdoes his cross and Eddie Nketiah just watches it sail over his own head.

The Gunners are just missing that final clinical pass so far.

Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:15 , Michael Jones

12 mins: It just feels like a matter of time before Arsenal score but Manchester United started off in a similar fashion and ended up conceding first.

The longer Arsenal go without scoring the more confidence Bodo/Glimt will gain.

Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:11 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Close! Kieran Tierney whips a cross into the box that gets headed out to Granit Xhaka who flicks it back over to the left-back. He carries the ball into the area and pulls it back to Fabio Silva.

A deflection sits the ball up nicely for him and he takes a touch before drilling an effort over the crossbar on the half-volley!

Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:09 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Chance! Eddie Nketiah gets the first real opportunity for the Gunners with a driving run forward before cutting inside and lacing an effort wide of goal from just outside the penalty area.

Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:04 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Arsenal are on top on the early stages with Fabio Vieira unable to bring a cross into the box under control. The ball comes out to Takehiro Tomiyasu who dinks it down the right side for Marquinhos whose low pass into the penalty area is hoofed away.

Kick off: Arsenal 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

20:02 , Michael Jones

Eddie Nketiah gets the ball rolling at the Emirates stadium and sends the ball back to Matt Turner in goal. He belts it forward over to the right side of the pitch but the visitors win it in the air and take over possession.

Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt

19:59 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams.

Mikel Arteta makes eight changes to the Arsenal team that won the north London derby at the weekend with Gabriel, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli the only players to keep their spots.

Will the Gunners pick up another Europa League victory tonight?

Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt

19:50 , Michael Jones

More reaction and the match report to come from Manchester United’s victory over Omonia but the focus now moves to the Emirates stadium where Arsenal are ready to go against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

Here’s a reminder of how the two teams line-up:

Arsenal XI: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Vieira, Lokonga, Xhaka; Marquinhos, Nketiah, Martinelli

Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin, Wembangomo, Lode, Moe, Sampsted, Vetlesen, Berg, Saltnes, Mugisha, Espejord, Pellegrino

FT Omonia 2-3 Man Utd

19:47 , Michael Jones

Having been introduced at half time, Marcus Rashford has become the first Manchester United substitute to both score and assist in a Europa League match, with this their 47th game in the competition.

FT Omonia 2-3 Man Utd

19:43 , Michael Jones

Marcus Rashford was the matchwinner for Manchester United this evening. His two goals and an assist giving them the impetus to see it through.

Full-time: Omonia 2-3 Man Utd

19:40 , Michael Jones

90+4 mins: Manchester United made hard work of that. They came from behind to win away from home against Omonia in Cyprus. Erik ten Hag’s substitutions and the strength of Man Utd’s squad proved to be the deciding factor.

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to record two goals and an assist with Anthony Martial netting as well. United remain second in the group after Real Sociedad also defeated Sheriff Tiraspol this evening.

It wasn’t the best performance but United needed the win and they got it.

Omonia 2-3 Man Utd

19:37 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: It is not happening for Cristiano Ronaldo. Marcus Rashford flies down the left before sliding it across to the Portuguese forward. He sprints into the box and spins back onto his right foot before sending his shot wide of the far post!

Omonia 2-3 Man Utd

19:34 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Manchester United are just trying to control the game now but they’ve got four added minutes to see out. Ronaldo and Martial fly up the pitch on the counter-attack but Ronaldo can’t get a shot away from the left-side of the box and Omonia work it clear!

GOAL! Omonia 2-3 Man Utd (Panagiotou, 85’)⚽️

19:30 , Michael Jones

85 mins: Immediate response! The game isn’t over after all.

The home side sweep down the left side and whip the ball into the box. It takes a kindly bounces in front of Nikolas Panagiotou who meets it with a powerful strike and blasts it into the back of the net.

GOAL! Omonia 1-3 Man Utd (Rashford, 84’)⚽️

19:27 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Game over! Omonia give the ball away and Marcus Rashford drives the ball up the middle of the pitch. He sends it to Ronaldo who carries the ball into the box before curling a pass to the back post.

Rashford continues his run and taps the pass home for his second of the game.

Omonia 1-2 Man Utd

19:26 , Michael Jones

83 mins: Casemiro is taken off and gets replaced with Scott McTominay.

Inside Omonia’s final third Martial receives the ball and slides it into the box almost playing Ronaldo in on goal. Yuste leaps across and intercepts the pass at the last minute to end the attack.

Omonia 1-2 Man Utd

19:25 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Omonia aren’t done yet. Kakoulli has looked bright since he’s come on and makes a bombing run down the left side before winning a corner by kicking the ball out off Lisandro Martinez.

The hosts try to play it quickly but mess up the set piece and United can calm things down again.

Omonia 1-2 Man Utd

19:22 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Off the woodwork!

Oh my days. Cristiano Ronaldo has missed a sitter. United work the ball quickly across the edge of the box before Dalot bursts clear and draws out Fabiano. He squares the ball to Ronaldo who hits it first time and smashes the ball into the upright!

How’s he missed?

Omonia 1-2 Man Utd

19:19 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Fred comes on to replace Antony as Erik ten Hag looks to make things more secure in the middle of the park. He’s immediately involved in a handball appeal as Omonia are certain that they should have a penalty.

This isn’t going to be given though as a bobbling ball hits the Man Utd man in the chest.

Omonia 1-2 Man Utd

19:16 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Out of necessity Manchester United have a lot of attacking players on the pitch. Ronaldo, Martial, Rashford and Antony are all playing ahead of Casemiro and Eriksen which can leave spaces in midfield for Omonia to exploit.

Erik ten Hag will be hoping for another goal to seal this victory but as it stands United are vulnerable.

Omonia 1-2 Man Utd

19:12 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Close! A long ball comes over the top and bounces kindly into the Manchester United box for Bruno. David De Gea is off his line and the striker tries to flick it over him.

His connection isn’t good and he just prods it into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Omonia 1-2 Man Utd

19:10 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Adam Matthews tries to nick the ball off Marcus Rashford and comes off worse from a poorly-timed challenge. He’s okay though and is quickly back on his feet.

Manchester United will want another goal just to be secure in the game but this has been a composed comeback marshalled expertly by Marcus Rashford.

GOAL! Omonia 1-2 Man Utd (Martial, 63’)⚽️

19:06 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Manchester United take the lead!

Anthony Martial scores again after coming on to replace Bruno Fernandes. Lisandro Martinez threads the ball up to Marcus Rashford who flicks it over to Martial as the forward arrives from the left side.

He shifts it away from a defender then smokes a low finish into the gap between the goalkeeper and the near post!

Omonia 1-1 Man Utd

19:03 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Antony and Fernandes combine on the right side before knocking the ball back to Casemiro. He sends it over to Eriksen who gives it back to Antony making his way inside from the wing.

He shoots and a deflection takes the ball behind for a corner. 30 minutes to play.

Omonia 1-1 Man Utd

18:59 , Michael Jones

56 mins: In all honesty it is a deserved goal for Manchester United who dominated proceedings for the majority of the first half. They’ve also started the second 45 minutes on the front foot too. Can the Red Devils go on to get a winner?

GOAL! Omonia 1-1 Man Utd (Rashford, 53’)⚽️

18:56 , Michael Jones

53 mins: Equaliser! Manchester United are back in it!

A long diagonal pass comes over to Marcus Rashford whose first touch isn’t great. He looks to have given the ball away to Nemanja Miletic but an overlapping run from Cristiano Ronaldo draws the defender away and Rashford recovers the ball.

He checks to the right and belts a low shot into the far bottom corner!

Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:55 , Michael Jones

51 mins: It’s a decent effort from Bruno Fernandes who gets the ball up and over the wall but there’s not enough curl on it to reach the corner and Fabiano clings onto the effort.

Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:54 , Michael Jones

49 mins: Erik ten Hag’s substitutions haven’t forced a change in formation as they are like-for-like swaps. Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen attempt a couple of one-twos to get into the box but Fernandes is brought down just outside by Hector Yuste.

What can United do from this position?

Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt

18:52 , Michael Jones

After the conclusion of this game in Cyprus Arsenal are in action as they host Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Here’s how both teams will line-up:

Arsenal XI: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Vieira, Lokonga, Xhaka; Marquinhos, Nketiah, Martinelli

Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin, Wembangomo, Lode, Moe, Sampsted, Vetlesen, Berg, Saltnes, Mugisha, Espejord, Pellegrino

Second half: Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:50 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Manchester United get the ball rolling for the second half. Erik ten Hag has made a couple of changes at the break with Luke Shaw replacing Tyrell Malacia and Marcus Rashford on for Jadon Sancho.

HT Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:37 , Michael Jones

Omonia lead Manchester United at half-time in this Europa League clash. Can the Red Devils get back into the game after the break?

Half-time: Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:33 , Michael Jones

45+2 mins: There’s an unexpected scoreline in Cyprus as Omonia weathered an early Manchester United storm before Karim Ansarifard blitzed them in front on the counter.

Neil Lennon’s side have quietly grown into the game but United will feel they have the skills and personnel to turn this around. They’re going to need to if they want to get out of the group.

HT Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:39 , Michael Jones

This is an embarrassing half-time score for Manchester United. Omonia finished in the bottom half of the Cyprus league last season and have lost two of their opening five league games this term.

If they hold on to this lead it will on of, if not the, biggest win in the club’s history.

Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:30 , Michael Jones

43 mins: A Manchester United corner is easily cleared. The visitors then send a return chip into the box for Ronaldo but Adam Long shields it brilliantly and blocks off the striker allowing the ball to bounce through to Fabiano.

Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:28 , Michael Jones

40 mins: Christian Eriksen is searching for options on the edge of the box with Ronaldo the only one to make a run. Instead he goes for goal but Hector Yuste gets in the block and clears the danger.

Omonia 1-0 Man Utd

18:24 , Michael Jones

37 mins: The home fans are going wild after that and erupt in another roar after a VAR check says that goal is good. Manchester United have been playing well but have lacked that clinical touch.

If they score the next goal they’ll go on to win the game but for now the home side have a surprising lead and a free kick in United’s final third.

It gets curled into the area and a mad scramble is eventually ended with a Victor Lindelof toe-poke clearance.

GOAL! Omonia 1-0 Man Utd (Ansarifard, 34’)⚽️

18:22 , Michael Jones

34 mins: That was the danger!

Omonia hit Man Utd on the counter-attack after they lose the ball and Bruno drives it straight up the pitch. United’s last defenders try to swarm him but he feeds it through them to Karim Ansarifard who nudges it into the penalty area and smokes a shot past David De Gea!

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

18:18 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Man Utd need to be careful now. Omonia play a quick free kick and get the ball down the other end of the pitch before a cross is nodded behind by Diogo Dalot.

The corner is played short but the return pass is off target and rolls out of play for a goal kick. United need a goal to settle themselves down.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

18:17 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Manchester United just are jiving with their final passes. Dalot sends a through ball into the box for Ronaldo to pick up which he does.

Sancho looks to make a run into the six-yard box but halts and comes more centrally instead, just as Ronaldo fizzes the ball across goal right to the spot where he would have been.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

18:13 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Cristiano Ronaldo takes the set piece himself and strikes it well. He gets his effort over the wall but can’t find enough dip to bring the shot back on target and it sails over the crossbar.

Save! Antony then has an effort palmed over the top after cutting in from the right anc curling a left-footed strike right at the far top corner!

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

18:10 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Due to a Europa League rule change only the group leaders go into the round of 16 knockouts and whoever finishes second has to go through a play-off match. This is why it is vital that Manchester United win this evening.

Martinez threads another decent pass up to Ronaldo who is taken out by Miletic. Free kick to United just outside the box.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

18:08 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Malacia sends a couple of crosses into the box with the second one taking a deflection that just grazes the top of Ronaldo’s head and bounces through the penalty area.

The striker releases a quick yell of frustration. He’s had two or three chances to score tonight already and will be hungry for goals.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

18:04 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Chance! Man Utd should be one up!

Lisandro Martinez feeds a lovely pass through the middle that Bruno Fernandes lets run as he heads into the box. Antony collects the ball and draws out Fabiano before squaring it back to Fernandes.

However the pass goes behind United’s captain and Omonia boot it clear! If Antony gets that pass right Fernandes has an open goal in front of him,

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

18:01 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Close! Eriksen picks out Sancho on the edge of the box and he spins towards goal before sliding the ball to Ronaldo. Ronaldo turns and defender and pokes a shot at goal only for it to get blocked behind for a corner.

The corner is whipped onto the head of Lisandro Martinez who puts his effort wide of the target.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

17:59 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Christian Eriksen brings the ball over to the left and gives it to Jadon Sancho. He looks to weave his way into the box but has too many defenders to get past and decides to send it back to Tyrell Malacia.

Malacia hangs a cross to the back post but it’s a poor effort and bounces over Jan Lecjaks to go out for a goal kick.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

17:56 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Save! Omonia’s goalkeeper knocks the ball into the midfield but United recover it quickly and send it up the pitch to Antony who’s come inside from the right. He takes a touch and slides the ball into the penalty area where Cristiano Ronaldo is waiting in space.

Due to the angle Ronaldo has to shoot with his left-foot but he nails it at goal and forces Fabiano into a low save to his left.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

17:53 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Chance! This is nice from Manchester United. First Dalot flicks another cross into the box that drops for Fernandes but he can’t get a shot away.

Instead they drop off and come again down the left side. Fernandes sneaks into the box before laying the ball off to Jadon Sancho who shoots and pulls his effort wide of the near post.

Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

17:49 , Michael Jones

3 mins: The visitors attempt to work the ball down the left side of the pitch but can’d find a way through. Eriksen then flicks it over to Diogo Dalot who floats a cross into the box towards Bruno Fernandes.

Nemanja Miletic nips in front of United’s captain and nods the ball behind for a corner.

Kick off: Omonia 0-0 Man Utd

17:47 , Michael Jones

Omonia get the ball rolling in Cyprus and work the ball through the middle of the pitch and run into the press from Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.

The home side turn back and knock the ball to goalkeeper Fabiano who boots it long down the right wing. Manchester United will be keen to impose themselves tonight.

Victory here would be a big confidence booster for Erik ten Hag’s men.

Omonia vs Manchester United

17:42 , Michael Jones

Manchester United will be the third English side to face Omonia Nicosia in Europe, after Arsenal in the 1994/95 Cup Winners’ Cup and Manchester City in the 2008/09 Uefa Cup. The Cypriot side have lost all four matches.

This will also be United’s first ever European clash with a side from Cyprus.

The only previous Premier League side to face a Cypriot club in the Europa League were Everton in 2017/18 vs Apollon Limassol.

Casemiro will be feeling ‘disrespected’ at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand claims

17:38 , Michael Jones

Rio Ferdinand believes that Casemiro will be feeling “disrespected” due to a lack of opportunities since joining Manchester United.

The Brazilian midfielder was signed by the club from Real Madrid for a significant fee this summer, seeking a new challenge after nearly a decade in the Spanish capital.

The 30-year-old is yet to force his way in to Erik ten Hag’s first-choice side, however, beginning the Manchester derby among the substitutes with Scott McTominay preferred in a holding midfield role.

Casemiro played half an hour in his fourth league appearance from the bench for his new club and made his only start so far against Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the beginning of September.

Casemiro will be feeling ‘disrespected’ at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand claims

Ronaldo closing in on 700

17:34 , Michael Jones

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo needs just one goal for the 700th of his club career.

Ronaldo’s first career goals came 20 years ago tomorrow, when he struck twice in Sporting’s 3-0 victory against Moreirense on 7th October 2002.

Will Ronaldo score?

17:30 , Michael Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Manchester United tonight after sitting out against Manchester City at the weekend. Will the 37-year-old get on the scoresheet tonight?

Omonia rising star Loizos Loizou eager to shine against ‘idol’ Cristiano Ronaldo

17:25 , Michael Jones

Omonia Nicosia record-breaker Loizos Loizou believes Cristiano Ronaldo remains the world’s best – but is ready to prove why he is one of Europe’s rising stars.

The 19-year-old is aiming to pile more misery onto Manchester United when they travel to the GSP Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday.

As Omonia’s youngest player and scorer, having made his debut at just 15, he carries the hopes of his home-town club and country, as he is also the youngest player in Cyprus’ history.

Thursday’s Group E game represents the chance for Omonia and Loizou to keep the heat on Erik ten Hag following United’s 6-3 Premier League thumping at Manchester City.

Ronaldo was an unused substitute at the Etihad and his influence has dropped dramatically this season, but Loizou remains one of his biggest admirers.

Omonia rising star eager to shine against ‘idol’ Cristiano Ronaldo

Lennon facing United once again

17:19 , Michael Jones

Neil Lennon takes charge of Omonia tonight.

The Northern Irishman played against Manchester United 12 times in his career with three wins, three draws and six defeats against the Red Devils. The former Leicester City and Celtic midfielder scored against them when claiming a late consolation for the Foxes in a 3-1 loss at Old Trafford in November 1996.

“We are all very excited about playing Manchester United for a number of reasons,” he said, “Obviously because they are one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“It will be a great experience for my players and some of them are Manchester United supporters!”

United’s attacking options

17:13 , Michael Jones

Anthony Martial returned from injury with a brace in the Manchester derby by could do nothing to influence the result as City romped in 6-3 winners.

Still he performance showed a hunger for goals that was evident during pre-season and the Frenchman’s availability will be a real boost to the team.

Cristiano Ronaldo will start in centre-forward role after being an unused substitute at the weekend. He scored in the previous Europa League match at Sheriff Tiraspol and will be eager to stake a claim for more starting berths going forward.

Ready to go

17:07 , Michael Jones

Manchester United winger Antony is prepared for tonight’s game.

‘Ronaldo is happy'

17:01 , Michael Jones

There was a bit of a hoo-ha earlier this week about some comments made by Erik ten Hag about why he didn’t play Cristiano Ronaldo against Manchester City.

Ten Hag said he kept Ronaldo on the bench ‘out of respect for his career’ when United were 4-0 down at half-time which led to inevitable questions about how Ronaldo feels at Old Trafford.

“I never talk about what I talk [to the players about]. My conversations with players are between us. That’s quite clear.” said the United boss when pressed about Ronaldo, “When you are here and when you are happy, and when you are satisfied being on the bench, this is not the club where you have to be.

“So, especially Cristiano is a really competitive, as we all know, he is not happy, of course, when he is not playing. But, I already said, and I have to repeat, maybe you didn’t hear, he is training well, he has a good mood, he is motivated and he gives his best, and that is what we expect.”

Ronaldo starts for United against Omonia tonight.

Omonia vs Manchester United

16:55 , Michael Jones

Omonoia are facing English opposition for a fifth time in Uefa competition. Their first such encounter came against Arsenal in the 1994/95 Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup, with the Cypriot outfit beaten 6-1 on aggregate by the Gunners.

Will they do better against Manchester United this evening?

Neil Lennon backed to give Omonia edge against Man Utd

16:49 , Michael Jones

Omonia forward Loizos Loizou has backed boss Neil Lennon to give the Cypriot side the edge in Thursday’s Europa League tie against Manchester United.

The 19-year-old reckons Lennon’s experience will prove crucial in the clash with Erik ten Hag’s side, when Omonia will be looking for their first win in Group E having lost their opening two games to Sheriff and Real Sociedad.

“Yes, he can make it (the difference),” the Cyprus international told the PA news agency. “He always tells us we are not scared of anyone – but we still have to be at our best levels.”

Neil Lennon backed to give Omonia edge against Man Utd

Ten Hag on facing Omonia

16:43 , Michael Jones

Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, spoke about what he is expecting to face in tonight’s Europa League tie with Omonia and how he wants his team to play.

“We played a good opponent, they gave us some lessons but we have to face that we didn’t play well on Sunday.” he said reflecting on the loss to Manchester City in the Premier League. “We did that, we took that and then we take the lessons and then we have to do better in the future.

“In Europe, it’s always a different approach, but it’s also always difficult. I played before there, in the stadium against an opponent so the ambience, we have to be ready for that.

“We have to be ready for a team that is well motivated. They play on the front foot. For them, it is the game of their life, so we have to be ready to face that and to play our game and that is one of the lessons from Sunday.”

Manchester United team changes

16:37 , Michael Jones

Erik ten Hag makes two changes to the side that won 2-0 against Sheriff last time out in the Europa League.

Casemiro comes in for just his second Manchester United start after joining from Real Madrid taking Scott McTominay’s role as one of the two holding midfielders alongide Christian Eriksen, whilst at the back, Victor Lindelöf replaces the injured Raphael Varane.

Cristiano Ronaldo starts up front after sitting out the entire Manchester derby in the Premier League last Sunday.

Omonia vs Manchester United line-ups

16:33 , Michael Jones

Omonia XI: Fabiano; Matthews, Miletic, Yuste, Long, Lecjaks; Diskerud, Charalampos, Barker; Bruno, Ansarifard

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Omonia vs Manchester United

16:29 , Michael Jones

Having played their first ever game in Moldova last time out, Manchester United are set for another first as they travel to Cyprus to take Omonoia for the first time in a competitive match.

Omonoia are coached by one-time Manchester City man Neil Lennon, who faced United many times with Celtic and Leicester. Will he be able to lead the hosts to a victory against his old rivals?

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘p***** off’ not playing at Man Utd, Erik ten Hag admits

16:24 , Michael Jones

Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo is happy at Manchester United but understandably “p***** off” when he does not play, like against Manchester City on Sunday.

The summer was dominated by speculation about the 37-year-old’s future after the forward’s frustrations emerged at the way his first season back at Old Trafford unfolded.

Ronaldo received an eye-watering offer from Saudi Arabia, but no Champions League giants made their move for the Portuguese, who missed the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a family issue.

The forward has been catching up on that missed training time in the opening months of the season and could start his fourth match in all competitions when United take on Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League this evening.

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘p***** off’ not playing at Man Utd, Erik ten Hag admits

A loud reception for Manchester United

16:19 , Michael Jones

The locals know that their team will be up against it when they take on Manchester United this evening but isn’t going to stop them from celebrating the arrival of one of the biggest club teams in the world.

Is it possible that Omonia can upset Erik ten Hag’s side tonight?

United boss talks Manchester derby defeat

16:15 , Michael Jones

In the build-up to tonight’s game Erik ten Hag was asked to dissect where his team went wrong when they were bullied 6-3 in the Manchester derby by rivals City at the weekend.

"Obviously it was a difficult day. As always we analyse, and we do that tough, the reality," he said. "In tactics sometimes, also to surprise opponents, you have to bring something different in your game, and we will do that also for the future.

"But we can get a lot of confidence about this theory, when you beat Arsenal, you beat Liverpool and now we get a reality check with Manchester City - so we know we have to step up.

"So thank you for the lesson, from Pep [Guardiola - Manchester City manager]. We will take that and we have to understand we have to do things much better."

Group E standings

16:09 , Michael Jones

Manchester United come into tonight’s Europa League match with Omonia sitting second in Group E after two games.

They lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad on the opening matchday thanks to a Brais Mendez penalty just on the hour mark before Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net against Sheriff Tiraspol to give the Red Devils a 2-0 victory last time out.

Sociedad lead the group with six points with Erik ten Hag’s men just behind on three. Sheriff also have three and tonight’s opponents, Omonia, are yet to get off the mark.

Manchester United may not end the week at the top of the table - though that is a possibility if Sheriff beat Sociedad - but three points will put them in a strong position at the halfway point of the group stages.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website