Manchester United came from a goal down to win 3-2 in their Europa League clash with Omonia Nicosia on Thursday night.
Trailing at half-time, Erik ten Hag’s substitutions changed the direction of this game, with Marcus Rashford getting a second-half brace and setting up Anthony Martial for the other goal.
United started the game well and Omonia’s goalkeeper, Fabiano, was forced into smart saves to deny strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Antony, while Bruno Fernandes hit the bar with a chipped effort inside the box.
But the hosts grew in stature after restraining United for the first half an hour, and on 34 minutes they grabbed the opening goal.
The attack actually began with a United free-kick in an advanced area, but Omonia regained possession and broke quickly, with Karim Ansarifard finishing excellently at David de Gea’s near post after a well-timed pass from Bruno Felipe.
However, United got back on level terms after the break with substitute Rashford finding the back of the net after he cut inside on his right foot and curled a shot past Fabinho.
The Red Devils improved markedly in the second period and were soon ahead thanks to a powerful strike from Martial. Rashford flicked the ball into the path of the Frenchman and from the edge of the box he managed to blast into the bottom corner with one of his first touches of the game.
Felipe then went close with a clear opening against David de Gea, but United’s No.1 did well to close down the space and saved the tame shot.
On 78 minutes Ronaldo squandered what should have been a simple first-time finish when Diogo Dalot flashed the ball across the box to his international team-mate. But Ronaldo missed the target from a few yards out and the shot hit the post.
The 37-year-old was involved in United’s third soon after as his shot was sailing just wide of Fabinho’s back post and was tapped in by Rashford.
There was an even later goal as Nikolas Panayiotou placed the ball into the back of the net from an Omonia breakaway on 85 minutes.
But United kept the ball well in the latter stages and held on for an important three points.
Here’s how we rated the players…
5. Tyrell Malacia- 5 (off 46)
Withdrawn for a second game in a row after another disappointing display. The defender was largely at fault for Omonia’s goal and gave away a number of fouls.
6. Casemiro- 6 (off 82)
Was good after the break and won the battle in the middle for the Red Devils. However, a player of his quality will be disappointed with a few moments in the first half.
7. Christian Eriksen- 6
Improved in the second half after a relatively slow opening period. Eriksen helped United move the ball quickly and allowed them to retain possession.
8. Antony- 7 (off 74)
Had some nice flicks and tricks and looked dangerous with his dribbles down the right flank. He also came close with a few shots, but will probably have wanted to produce more against an opponent of Omonia’s quality.