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Man Utd include Iqbal and Garnacho in 22-man squad for Omonia clash

Manchester United have announced a 22-man squad for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Omonia Nicosia away from home.

The Red Devils made the worst possible start after the international break as they were convincingly beaten 6-3 by Manchester City in the Premier League.

Manager Erik ten Hag will be eyeing a strong reaction in Cyprus tomorrow and ahead of the encounter, the Red Devils have confirmed their travelling squad.

Ten Hag will be without Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka with injuries, but there are no other concerns at the moment.

Here is the squad for the Europa League clash against Omonia:

Goalkeepers: De Gea, Heaton, Dubravka.

Defenders: Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia, Dalot, Shaw.

Midfielders: Fernandes, Eriksen, Fred, Casemiro, McTominay, Iqbal.

Forwards: Ronaldo, Martial, Rashford, Antony, Sancho, Pellistri, Elanga, Garnacho.

From the squad list, it is quite clear that United are short in options in central defence. Both Maguire and Varane are on the sidelines. There is no room for more injuries.

Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are guaranteed starters tomorrow, and the same can be said for Diogo Dalot at right-back with Wan-Bissaka out injured again.

Luke Shaw should return to the starting line-up after his second-half appearance in the derby. It should also be the case for Casemiro, Fred and Anthony Martial.

Casemiro has been forced to play second fiddle to Scott McTominay for the holding midfield role, but now has the chance to prove himself to the United boss.

There are claims that the Brazilian could make his full Premier League debut at Everton on Sunday but that could largely depend on how he performs in Cyprus.

Meanwhile, Martial has the perfect platform to cement a starting berth. The Frenchman made his comeback in stellar fashion in the derby, scoring twice off the bench.

Jadon Sancho had a big struggle against the Cityzens where he was dispossessed several times and failed to win any duels. There is a spot up for grabs in the front three.

It will also be interesting to see what kind of roles that Zidane Iqbal, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri play after being picked in the travelling squad.

Iqbal was hugely impressive in the pre-season campaign, but has yet to get an opportunity to make a mark this term. He will be hoping to play some part tomorrow.

Garnacho was also superb against Barrow yesterday. He scored a dramatic late winner in the second round of the Papa Johns Trophy as the Under 21s won 2-1 before penalties.

The Argentine has played just 21 minutes of competitive football this season and he will be hoping for more minutes under his bag when the Red Devils take on Omonia.

Elsewhere, Pellistri has become a revelation at the international level with Uruguay, but continues to await his maiden United appearance. That could well happen tomorrow.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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