New Decision – Erik ten Hag might take Manchester United right-wing selection risk vs Omonia as new star emerge

Manchester United’s players will have seen more of Omonia Nicosia in the last week than the Theatre of Dreams in the previous month by the time they arrive at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

United have not played on their own turf since the night the Queen died five weeks ago when they defeated the Cypriot team 3-2 away from home last Thursday evening. That evening, Real Sociedad defeated Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Because of the Queen’s death, United’s next home game, a Premier League battle versus archrivals Leeds, was also canceled. The Queen’s state funeral was set for the next day, and more police officers from the north were redeployed to London.

Because of the length of their absence from their home ground, United’s fans and players may require a few minutes just to catch their bearings on Thursday evening. The visit of Omonia, on the other hand, will be United’s fourth game this month, such is the volume of fixtures they must jam in before the World Cup begins in less than six weeks.

This month, United plays nine games in 29 days, leaving little opportunity for Ten Hag’s men to regain their breath and relax. The next meeting with Omonia provides Ten Hag with an excellent opportunity to shuffle his pack and make the most of his roster.

So far this season, the Dutchman has mostly chosen from the same pool of players and has refused to change things up too much, even in the Europa League. David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, and Antony have all started each of United’s first three Group E games and could benefit from a rest against Omonia.

Furthermore, United has back-to-back Premier League home games against Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur coming up, which will be far more difficult tests than the one Omonia is set to dish out on Thursday night.

That is why Ten Hag should think about rotating his pack and making the required alterations for Neil Lennon’s visit. United are heavy favorites to win all three points, and they have more than enough depth to make substitutions while still fielding a solid lineup.

It would also mean that guys like Facundo Pellistri would get some much-needed playing time. The right-sided winger joined United in October 2020 and has yet to make his competitive debut. He may be beginning to wonder why the Reds decided to spend £9 million on his signature.

Pellistri returned to United in the summer after a miserable loan spell at Spanish side Alaves, where he played only 750 minutes. He was featured in the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. Despite making only one appearance on the tour, he scored United’s fourth goal in a 4-0 triumph over Liverpool in Bangkok.

However, the Uruguayan, who hopes to represent his country at the World Cup next month, has only worn a United shirt once since then, coming off the bench in the penultimate pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Norway.

Pellistri is yearning for minutes as the World Cup approaches. If he hadn’t suffered an ankle injury in August, he would have most likely gone out on loan to try to get regular minutes.

He stayed at Old Trafford, however, and is now looking for new chances. With Antony having clinched the right-wing spot and a slew of games left this month, the Brazilian would benefit from a rest against Omonia, allowing Pellistri to go in and establish his value.

With all due respect, the caliber of the opponent gives the impression that this is a golden opportunity that he has been waiting for. It is a worthwhile risk.