Manchester United can boost their Champions League hopes by breaking three-game streak vs Omonia

Manchester United have shown their resilience in recent weeks, a facet of their performances which will undoubtedly please Erik ten Hag.

After the 1-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad in the Europa League, the team bounced back with a 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol. A heavy loss to Manchester City followed at the start of the month but comeback wins against Omonia and Everton have lifted the mood once again.

As a result, United still have every chance of topping their Europa League group and are just a point away from the top four. But they can boost their chances of success even further by ensuring they have the first say in matches.

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United have conceded first in the last three games, heaping pressure on them to turn the tide. They dramatically failed to do so against City and ultimately only just got over the line against Omonia.

The Reds were worthy of the three points at Goodison Park on Sunday but it was by no means an easy ride. United must halt this recent trend of conceding first.

They have lost four games in which they have gone behind but have won all five when they have struck first blood. These include the wins over Liverpool and Arsenal, showing the importance of what scoring the opener can mean.

Ten Hag is teetering on breaking into the top four for the first time as United boss, a feat that would come as a mighty psychological boost given the start to the campaign. But in order to sit at the top table, teams must be able to keep their plate clean more often than not.

United have only kept three clean sheets in their 11 games this season, and their last one came nearly a month ago. The Reds can boost their confidence by ensuring they