Manchester United vs Omonia: Ones to watch (Europa League)

Manchester United travel to Cyprus on Thursday as they look to rectify the weekend’s disappointment following their 6-3 thrashing at the hands of their blue neighbours.

The opponents in this fixture, Omonia Nicosia, currently sit fourth in the Cypriot First Division, with nine points from five games.

United will be eager for a win in order to increase their comfort of moving from the group stages to the knock-out rounds, with the Reds winning their second game against Sheriff having lost their opening game to Real Sociedad.

Here is a look at potential standouts from either side in this fixture:

Manchester United - Casemiro, Anthony Martial 

Two players to focus on in this Europa League clash are Casemiro and Anthony Martial.

Casemiro has been touted to start against Everton, meaning his role and performance in mid week could be an indication as to the likelihood of this.

The Brazilian is yet to start a Premier League game but calls for this to change have been mounting from the United fanbase following their thrashing on Sunday afternoon.

A strong performance from the 30 year-old could prove to be crucial in ensuring that rumours of his potential start against Everton in Manchester United’s next Premier League fixture come to fruition.

Anthony Martial is another player Reds fans are desperate to see play a larger role in the team, having had his season so far hindered by repeated minor injuries.

Anthony Martial. (Alamy)

The Frenchman scored twice after coming on against Manchester City on the weekend and providing a positive on an afternoon of despair.

This Europa League fixture against Omonia could prove to be an important opportunity for the former Golden Boy to really gain some confidence and ensure his involvement against Everton on the weekend.

Given the supposed gap of quality between the sides, many would hope that Martial could get himself on the scoresheet should he feature heavily.

Omonia Nicosia - Moreto Cassama

Due to an obvious financial gap between the sides, Omonia’s squad lacks a certain level of recognition and quality that their opponents possess.

However, there is a certain level of quality provided in midfield in the shape of Moreto Cassama.

Cassama is a product of the renowned Porto youth set up, having come through the youth sides at the Portuguese giants before making a move to Ligue 1 side Stade Reims.

Now at the Cypriot side, the 24 year-old could prove to be a crucial player for Omonia in the heart of midfield if they are to get any grip of the fixture.

Cassama may also demonstrate to United fans how effective a solid defensive midfielder cna prove to be for a side in European fixtures, something they may have forgotten having been somewhat deprived over recent years.