Omonia Nicosia 2-3 Manchester United: Rashford double and Martial strike gives Red Devils victory in

Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial fired Manchester United to a 3-2 Europa League victory against Omonia Nicosia.

The hosts took the lead after 34 minutes in Cyprus on Thursday when a quick counter-attack ended with Karim Ansarifard rifling into the roof of the net.

But Erik ten Hag rang the changes for the second half and Rashford helped himself to a double either side of a Martial strike to give the Red Devils all three points, with Nikolas Panagiotou scoring a late consolation.

United have now won six of their last seven Europa League away games and remain second in Group E, three points behind leaders Real Sociedad.

Cristiano Ronaldo came close to scoring his 700th club goal with a fierce drive in the first half and Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar. Fabiano made a great stop to tip Antony’s effort wide at full stretch, before Omonia punished United for their profligacy.

Tyrell Malacia was caught in possession and the hosts steamed forward on the break. Bruno perfectly played in Ansarifard, who fired past David de Gea.

Accuracy:

Let’s kick on from here! #MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/GCWnmypyH2

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 6, 2022

Rashford was introduced at half-time and levelled for United within eight minutes of coming on, latching onto a sublime Fernandes diagonal before cutting onto his right foot and smashing home.

Martial put the visitors in front just a minute after making his way onto the pitch, as a clever Rashford flick teed him up to lash into the bottom corner.

Ronaldo hit the woodwork late on, but provided an assist as his cross-shot picked out Rashford at the back post to tap in for his second.

Omonia grabbed a goal back through Panagiotou, but United saw the game out to earn an important victory.

What does it mean? Ten Hag’s men complete fightback

Ansarifard’s strike came against the run of play and United could feel very hard done by to be going in at the break a goal down.

But Ten Hag will be delighted with the impact made by his substitutions as Rashford and Martial sparked life into United’s attacking display.

Victory leaves the Red Devils, hammered 6-3 by Manchester City in the derby last weekend, three points ahead of third-placed Sheriff midway through the group stage. Omonoia remain bottom after losing all three matches.

Rejuvenated Rashford

Rashford’s introduction turned the game in United’s favour, the rejuvenated forward playing a part in all three goals.

He scored twice with his four shots, provided an assist and completed 94.1 per cent of his passes. The 24-year-old also had the third-most key passes (three) among United players despite only coming on at the interval.

Ronaldo not at the races

Ronaldo had multiple chances to score his 700th career club goal, but was uncharacteristically wasteful as his disappointing start to the season continued.

He missed an absolute sitter when he hit the post in the second half and only hit the target with one of his eight shots, while winning just five of his 10 duels.

What’s next?

Both teams return to domestic action as United travel to Everton on Sunday, while Omonia play AEL the following day.