The Neil Lennon Celtic X-factor fuelling belief ahead of Manchester United blockbuster

Omonia Nicosia forward Loizos Loizou believes Neil Lennon ’s trophy haul is fuelling belief ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Manchester United in Cyprus.

United are in need of a response when they travel to Omonia following the poor defeat to City on Sunday. The 6-3 mauling against rivals Manchester City looks to have undone some of the positive momentum Erik ten Hag managed to build after the opening couple of losses in the Premier League.

If United thought Nicosia would be easy pickings considering they have lost both of their opening two matches in the Europa League, they could be mistaken. Loizou reckons Lennon, who has overseen a dramatic turnaround at Omonia, could be the difference. As well as winning five league titles at Parkhead, he led Celtic to a famous win over Barcelona back in 2012 and knows how to get results on the big stage.

And Loizou reckons former Celtic boss' influence could inspire his team to victory. The 19-year-old said: “Yes, he can make it (the difference). He always tells us we are not scared of anyone – but we still have to be at our best levels.

“He helps us think we’re not playing against one of the best teams in the world, just to play like we always play. He can help us win. In his career as a coach he won a lot of trophies and titles. He knows how to win these titles.”

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