Manchester United vs Omonia Nicosia Predictions

• Fewer than three goals have been scored in five of Manchester United’s last six Europa League home games.
• Fewer than three goals have been scored in eight of Omonia Nicosia’s last 12 Europa League away games.

Red Devils cannot repeat sloppy Cyprus display

Manchester United defended poorly in Cyprus last week and will not want to be so generous when they face Omonia Nicosia in the reverse Europa League Group E fixture on Thursday. Erik ten Hag’s men conceded to a breakaway after pushing too many players forward when looking for the opening goal and let their concentration slip when 3-1 up to allow the hosts a consolation.

United will be intent on winning with a clean sheet this week to restore some confidence in a brittle backline that was again unable to blank Everton at the weekend. The Toffees had scored two goals in four home Premier League contests this season prior to Sunday’s game and found the back of the Red Devils’ net after just five minutes.

United controlled most of the game from thereon to hold Frank Lampard’s side at bay and will want to pick up where they left off on Thursday night. Ten Hag’s selections in the three previous group games suggest this competition is high on the list of priorities for the Old Trafford club.

Clean sheet more valuable than a hatful of goals

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first non-penalty goal since June against Everton and is likely to get the start as centre forward with Jadon Sancho and Antony either side. That looks plenty potent enough to get the job done, but it could be hard going against a side likely to pack out their defence and leave no space in behind.

Real Sociedad managed only two goals at home to Neil Lennon’s side on the Cypriots’ last European away trip – one of which was a sweet strike from 25 yards out. United will want to entertain if they can, but a 2-0 win would be sufficient to send the fans home happy and the clean sheet is probably more valuable to the team than a third goal.

Fewer than three goals have been scored in eight of Omonia’s last 12 Europa League away games and, although United have the quality to punish them, it is also worth noting that five of the Red Devils’ last six in this competition have seen Under 2.5 goals land.