Man Utd have four players low on confidence and other Omonia lessons

Erik ten Hag & Bruno Fernandes preview Omonia

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Manchester United survived a big Europa League scare to get the better of Omonia in Thursday night’s showdown in Cyrpus. The Red Devils fell behind in the first half but claimed all three points courtesy of a brace from Marcus Rashford and goal from Anthony Martial. Express Sport will now take a look at five things we learned from the showdown as Erik ten Hag guided his team to an unconvincing victory.

Players struggling for confidence

Manchester United clearly have some players low on confidence at present.

Cristiano Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure up top, with the Portugal international waving his arms as his wait for a goal from open play continued.

Tyrell Malacia looked shaky all game, just days after toiling in the club’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City.

And Jadon Sancho has gone back into his shell, too, after previously looking to have turned a corner.

Casemiro was subdued as well, with the Brazil international making just his second start following his move from Real Madrid.

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Antony a shining light

One player who doesn’t seem to be low on confidence, however, is Antony.

The Brazil international signed from Ajax back in the summer transfer window and is a skilful flair player capable of exciting fans.

On more than one occasion, Antony demonstrated why United wanted him with his speed and trickery causing the home side issues.

While he was unable to score, it was still an encouraging display nonetheless.

And United will be hopeful Antony can get even better in the coming weeks and months ahead, having spent £80million to land the Brazilian back in the summer.

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It’s time for Shaw

Ten Hag has insisted he’ll be fair throughout his time at United.

So, if that’s to be the case, it’s time for him to replace Malacia with Luke Shaw after the Netherlands international suffered a second stinker in a row.

The 23-year-old was poor against City on Sunday, which is why Ten Hag hooked him at half-time.

And he produced a similarly flat display in Cyrpus, with his mistake allowing Omonia to open the scoring before making way at the interval.

Shaw did well upon coming on, so the left-back slot should now be his for the next few games.

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Rashford impresses

Rashford is a curious case.

Some matches, like against City on Sunday, the England international can be borderline abysmal.

But, in others like tonight, the 24-year-old offers glimpses of his talent and why he’s still rated so highly across the footballing world.

His first goal was excellently taken, with the forward curling it into the next to draw United level, while he then provided the assist for Martial’s winner.

And the Red Devils will be hoping he can replicate that achievement when they go up against Everton on Sunday.

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Martial must start

Martial hasn’t always been consistent for United.

But, right now, the France international looks like the best option when it comes to the No 9 role.

Martial entered the game against Omonia in the second half and converted not too soon after, netting a sublime curling strike that helped his side to victory.

United had originally planned to jettison the 26-year-old back when the transfer window.

But keeping him looks a shrewd move, with the No 9 since netting three goals from three competitive matches this term.

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