Manchester United came from a goal down to defeat Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia 3-2 in their third Group E fixture of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening.

The Red Devils came into the match with a point to prove following the disastrous 6-3 hammering at the hands of their city neighbours and arch rivals in the Premier League on Sunday.

United immediately hit the ground running with Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony making several attempts on goal.

However, the unexpected happened just a minute later when United were punished after the ball was hijacked from Tyrell Malacia and the hosts launched a counterattack which Karim Ansarifard converted to put Nicosia ahead.

With 76 per cent of possession, United were unable to find an equaliser as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Cypriot side. 

United made some changes in the earlier minutes of the second second half with Luke Shaw coming on for Malacia while Jadon Sancho was substituted for Marcus Rashford.

The shuffle immediately paid off as Rashford curled the ball into the top corner of the post from outside the box to level the game for United. 

Just one minute into action, Anthony Martial who came on for Fernandes scored from outside the 18-yard box to put United into the lead for the very first time in the encounter.

Moments later, Diogo Dalot dribbled past the goalkeeper and passed the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was met with an empty goal post but the 37-year-old forward struck against the bar.

Ronaldo set Rashford up to get his brace of the evening to give United a two-goal lead but it wasn’t long when Nikolas Panayiotou pulled one back for Nicosia.

Afterwards, the five-time Ballon D’Or was again close to scoring his first goal in the competition but all were to no avail as the match ended 3-2 in favour of the United to retain their second position in the group with six points.