Two Manchester United youngsters signed in 2020 could get Erik ten Hag chance

There could be a youthful face or two on the bench when Manchester United return to Europa League action this week. Erik ten Hag's side welcome Omonia to Old Trafford on Thursday night, knowing another win is vital if they are to secure their passage into the knockout stage of the competition.

With a packed fixture schedule and bigger tests on the horizon, it should be another chance for United to demonstrate their impressive squad depth, and an opportunity for the manager to give his talented youngsters a taste of senior football.

United's preparation for the match has been hampered by another injury to Anthony Martial, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo as the only fit senior striker for the match. He famously netted twice on his homecoming against Newcastle last year and will be eager to lead the line against the same opponent again this weekend.

READ MORE: Nine youngsters train with United first team

It means Ten Hag might need to adapt to the Omonia match with a different look to his forward line, perhaps utilising Marcus Rashford in the central role that he still doesn't quite fit into, or by shifting another player into a false nine role like he has done with Antony and Christian Eriksen already this season.

In any case, United are set to be without recognised back-up options, with Martial unlikely to be risked for the low-stakes match, regardless of his latest injury diagnosis.

United will have the luxury of naming 11 substitutes if they wish for the matchday squad. And it seems likely teenage forward Charlie McNeill will get another call-up, though it will come too soon for the returning Joe Hugill to be involved.

The teenage strikers have both trained with the first-team this week and had the chance to catch the eye of