Cristiano Ronaldo could get a rare glimpse of match action for Manchester United on Thursday night.
The Portuguese superstar has been consigned mostly to the bench since Erik ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in the summer. Two of his three starts this season have come in the Europa League and Thursday sees United travel to Cyprus to take on Omonia Nicosia.
The Cypriots have a familiar face in charge - ex-Celtic and Bolton chief Neil Lennon.
Ahead of the group stage clash, the Northern Irishman insists Ronaldo still possesses the 'x factor' despite his much-publicised struggles.
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"I understand in the sense why he hasn’t been playing, but you can’t keep him out for long," said Lennon, who took Nicosia over in March and led them to qualifying for this competition.
"Over the course of the season, Manchester United will need Cristiano Ronaldo. Once he hits his match fitness then he could have another bumper season. The fact that he’s going to be here in this stadium, and I’ll get to see him again live and close up, is fantastic because he’s one of the greatest players of all-time. It’s very, very special."
Nicosia lost their opening two matches, to Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol.
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