FC Sheriff coach admits ex-Nigeria U23 star was given a rest before visit of Man Utd

FC Sheriff Tiraspol manager Stjepan Tomas has admitted that former Nigeria U23 international Iyayi Atiemwen was one of the players given a rest ahead of Thursday evening's Europa League clash against Premier League giants Manchester United at Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena (Tiraspol).

The summer signing from Dinamo Zagreb was omitted from Sheriff's starting lineup in a 2-0 win over Milsami on Sunday.

Atiemwen later came off the bench to double the advantage for the home team in the closing minutes, his second goal in as many games, having found the net against Omonia Nicosia on matchday one of the Europa League.

The 2016 Dream Team VI star is considered a key player for the Moldovan side given his European pedigree, with 23 games under his belt in European club competition.

Asked to explain why Atiemwen, Ouattara and Vizeu were not named in the starting XI versus Milsami  and if there were given a rest, Tomas said to the official website of FC Sheriff : "Vizeu had a minor injury, we didn't want to risk him. He was supposed to start but yesterday felt unwell.

"As for  Atiemwen : after the game in Nicosia, we arrived early in the morning, everyone felt a little unwell. The situation is the same - we did not want to take risks.

"Only three players came out today: Rasheed, Kiki and Cedric."

FC Sheriff Tiraspol are topping the Europa League Group E standings following their 3-0 rout of Francis Uzoho's Omonia Nicosia on matchday one, while United are searching for their first win in the group after they were beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad last week.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : gnkdinamo.hr

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