Erik ten Hag explains why Casemiro and Fred start for Manchester United vs Omonia Nicosia

Erik ten Hag has explained why he picked a strong Manchester United side to play Omonia on Thursday night.

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.

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United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday, but Ten Hag has still chosen a strong starting line up to take on Omonia. Ten Hag was asked about his team selection ahead of kick-off and he discussed his surprise team.

"It's always a question [starting line up], as a manager with your staff," Ten Hag told MUTV. "You look through the form, at the opponent, to the programme [schedule] that's coming, so there are many arguments on who to play.

"Yeah, definitely [Casemiro and Fred connection] and that's one of the reasons, but also you see Fred doing so well in training, he always brings the quality. What we need today is counter-press and he's really good at that, he's frenetic.

"I think he's a good choice today. I'm happy to be back at Old Trafford, it's been too long and we have to build something here, togetherness with the fans and players. I want to make the next step and I hope the togetherness and the fight gets over to the stands and we have a real good spirit in the stadium."

United are currently three points