Three Manchester United players could regain starting places vs Omonia Nicosia

Martial's moment

It already feels a fait accompli that Anthony Martial will start at Goodison Park - a happy hunting ground of his - irrespective of how he performs in Cyprus.

Martial has not started for United since November 24 and the wait this season has only been delayed by two separate injuries that have restricted him to two productive cameos against Liverpool and Manchester City.

Of the attacking trio Erik ten Hag settled on in pre-season, Martial is the only one who has transmitted his authoritative form to competitive matches, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford's impacts more spontaneous. One is certain to make way for Martial this week.

Also read: Ten Hag could be ruthless with four more players

Ronaldo

Would it also be respectful of Ten Hag not to start Cristiano Ronaldo against the fodder of Omonia Nicosia? A Europa League roadshow is not the befitting end to Ronaldo's career he had in mind but he started and scored in Chisinau and his stock has taken such a hit he will accept any start.

Recalling Ronaldo and Martial would raise the debate as to who starts through the middle. Ronaldo is short-term and Martial potentially long-term for Ten Hag. In what should be a routine evening, relocating Martial to the left - where he has played his best football - would be harmless to both the player and the team.

A new partnership?

A Raphael Varane injury was inevitable sooner or later and he might have sat out tonight's tie if he was fit. Harry Maguire is also sidelined and, afterthought though they may currently be, so are Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones, the latter omitted from the Europa League squad and not worthy of mention in Ten Hag's injury bulletins.

Victor Lindelof was a regular presence during pre-season and