Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag complimented his team’s spirit and belief after Scott McTominay scored the games winning goal against Omonia Nicosia in stoppage time of the Europa League to maintain their chances of winning their group.
Despite dominating and having numerous excellent scoring opportunities, United was unsatisfied until McTominay’s winning goal.
Up to McTominay’s victory, United controlled and had numerous excellent scoring opportunities but were frustrated.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
In the opening period, Casemiro, who started in the middle of the field alongside Fred, also hit the crossbar. Then, from an open spot in the box, Fred headed high into the air.
After passing up multiple chances, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo were unable to take a chance.
Scott McTominay who came on in 81st minutes to replace Casemiro scored the games winning goal thanks to some deft left winger Jadon Sancho footwork.
Francis Uzoho, the goalkeeper for Omonia was unquestionably the best player for the visitors as he stopped 11 of United’s 12 shots on goal, but he was helpless to stop McTominay’s goal in the 93rd minute.
Erik ten Hag answers to the press when asked about the game:
“In this team there is a lot of creativity and scoring capabilities. Sometimes you have a night where you will not succeed. Today was that night,” said Ten Hag.
“But the good thing was the team keep going and they don’t give up. They keep believing and in the end we get the reward. That is the way we have to do it.
“I am really happy with that. It is about the spirit in the team and the squad. It is not just about the 11 players,” he added.
“Sometimes it works like that. Substitutes can have an impact when they have the right attitude and the right focus.”
Ten Hag revealing a brief conversation he had with Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho:Â
“I said ‘well done’. He had many, many saves, so many clear goals were not in, so we kept them in the game,” Ten Hag said.
Omonia Nicosia boss Lennon was happy with his team performance:Â
“I am very proud of the team. We were a few minutes away from one of the greatest results in this club’s history,” said Lennon.
“We have made great strides in a short space of time. We came close to getting a draw against Sociedad and obviously tonight and last week. The players have been fantastic since I came in March.
Lennon on their fans
“The fans were incredible. They looked like they enjoyed the full experience. They showed how much pride they have for the club. To bring 4,000-odd people from Cyprus is incredible.
“I think this trip has put Omonia on the map a little in Europe. We need to build on that.”
Also read: Arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-responds-to-aubameyangs-criticism/
United’s victory leaves them three points behind Real Sociedad, who defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 to earn their fourth victory in as many competitive games.
On October 27, United will hosts Sheriff Tiraspol in their Europa League game at Old Trafford.
Click On the Red-Bell icon displayed at the right bottom corner of your reading screen to be the first person to get the latest news updates sent directly to your smartphone’s notification.
