5 things learned: Omonia 2-3 Manchester United (Europa League) - Martial shines as Ronaldo's poor form continues

Whilst not taking the easy route to victory, United eventually bounced back from Sunday’s defeat with Anthony Martial again at the heart of things.

United shockingly went 1-0 down in the first half in Nicosia, having heavily dominated the game until that point.

But the introductions of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the second half led to a turnaround with the three goals together coming from the pair who always seem to show up when their club need them.

Here are five things UtdDistrict learnt from the :

#1: Do whatever it takes to keep Anthony Martial fit. Again.

Martial once again started this game on the bench as he is eased back into the team from injury, but also once again showed why he is Ten Hag’s preferred centre-forward. 

His very first contribution after coming on the pitch was an extremely well-taken goal from the edge of the box, assisted by Marcus Rashford’s flick.

Sunday feels like the perfect game to bring Martial back into the line-up, with Everton being an opponent that even at his worst he has still always performed against.

#2: Wake up call needed for some players

Whilst the win was good for the players after Sunday’s embarrassment, some players did not have the best outing for United.

Jadon Sancho was one of those players, again seeming to lack drive and invention in his game. He couldn’t look further from the player United signed, and after being subbed at half time needs to take the lessons from this game. 

Cristiano Ronaldo too, cannot seem to find the net to save his life right now. Regardless of what certain ex footballers are saying, he should not be starting games for United right now and needs to learn to find the net again.

#3: Marcus Rashford not going to Qatar would be inexcusable

Coming on at half time with your side 1-0 down and desperately needing to come back isn’t an easy situation for a player. But Marcus Rashford today handled that situation in the best way possible.

Anthony Martial. (Man Utd)

Scoring to equalise, assisting Martial shortly after then scoring another to put his side 3-1 up, Rashford’s 45 minutes will have secured his starting spot on Sunday, and his performances this season as a whole should secure his spot on the English national team’s plane to Qatar next month.

#4: Time for Shaw to return to the line-up

It was not Tyrell Malacia’s night as he lost the ball for Omonia’s shock opening goal, and he was subbed at half time once again having struggled this half.

Luke Shaw came on in his place again, and on Sunday should return to United’s line-up. It is both time for him to come back into the team and time for Malacia to get a break, with some time on the sides to learn and develop as a player. 

Shaw’s partnership with Rashford on the left is well-documented, and even should Sancho remain on the left Shaw’s game is more of a natural complement to his.

#5: Solid outing for Casemiro

Casemiro started for Manchester United alongside Christian Eriksen in midfield tonight, and whilst not perfect he helped bring a better sense of control to United’s game.

The Brazilian midfield general dominated his duels, completed 72 passes at an 81% clip and landed 6 long balls. His leadership was clear to see too, constantly instructing his teammates through his 82 minutes.

It would make sense to start him once again on Sunday evening, to let him build up both match rhythm and better chemistry with Christian Eriksen, who seemed to be able to play higher up next to Casemiro.