How Manchester United should line up vs Omonia Nicosia in Europa League fixture

Manchester United take on Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

United defeated Omonia 3-2 in Cyprus last week and the fixture was far from straightforward, despite Erik ten Hag's side being heavy favourites entering the contest. Omonia took an early lead in the game and United were forced to respond to that setback.

Marcus Rashford scored two goals and Anthony Martial also got on the scoresheet, but the latter won't be available for the reverse leg at Old Trafford as he sustained a hip injury in the pre-match warm-up at Goodison Park at the weekend.

ALSO READ: Sir Jim Ratcliffe breaks silence on Man United takeover interest

Regarding team news elsewhere, Raphael Varane returned against Everton and he is now fit after his issue.

Here's how our MEN writers think United should line up.

Samuel Luckhurst

United should not be as profligate as they were in Nicosia and certain selections should be made with an eye on Newcastle. There is no need to risk Raphael Varane in this game and Scott McTominay might as well come in for Casemiro, needed for Sunday.

Fred is overdue a start in his best role as an advanced midfielder, Luke Shaw could do with the continuity after a first start since August at Everton and Tom Heaton merits a full United debut.

The front four should be the same as if United get the game won early they can rest some or all of them with time on the clock.

Steven Railston

Dubravka has not made a single appearance for United and his bizarre loan move would become even stranger if he doesn't start in this match. Ten Hag has insisted he will pick a strong team, but the Dutchman needs to rotate to prevent fatigue.

That means Malacia should come back into the side, with a view to Shaw