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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Casey Evans

Manchester United must beware of three Omonia players in Europa League fixture

Manchester United were victorious in Nicosia against Neil Lennon's Omonia last Thursday but they did not make it easy for themselves. Erik ten Hag's side went behind initially before coming back to win 3-2, however, the Cypriot side did provide some late scares.

So in the return leg, the result may be important for United, but the performance also matters. If the club are to have any chance of winning this competition, they need to dispatch teams like Omonia with fewer problems.

So who are the players that United must look out for? Let's take a look at three that United need to be wary of as Omonia visit Old Trafford on Thursday night:

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Karim Ansarifard

The 32-year-old Ansarifard may not be a household name in Cyprus given he only joined Omonia in the summer, but after his opener in the reverse fixture in Nicosia, he will be revered by the fans for years to come. After the striker put the ball in the back of the net, the stadium broke out in celebration and the noise did not quell for much of the match.

Ten Hag will be keen for the Iranian striker not to add to his tally at Old Trafford.

Brandon Barker

Starting his career in the Manchester City academy, there would be nothing that Barker would like more than to score against his former club's arch-rivals. Now 25, Barker spent time in the lower leagues of England and in Scotland while also having a spell in the Netherlands with NAC Breda.

Barker was a new signing for Omonia this summer and has so far scored one goal for the Cypriot club. In the first fixture against United, he played as a midfielder and his energy caused problems for Ten Hag's midfield.

Adam Lang

The Hungarian centre-back has been a stalwart in the Omonia defence since his arrival from CFR Cluj in 2019. He has made over 100 appearances in all competitions for the Cypriot side.

Lang is also a veteran at the international level as well, having made 51 appearances for Hungary since his debut in 2014. In the opening fixture in Cyprus, he played on the left-hand side of a back three and he will be hoping for a better performance at Old Trafford.

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