Manchester United grabbed a dramatic, late winner to beat Omonia Nicosia 1-0 on Thursday night.
Erik ten Hag’s side dominated proceedings but couldn’t find a way past the robust Omonia backline, and goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, until injury-time when Scott McTominay fired into the back of the net from just a few yards out.
It proved to be a frustrating opening 45 minutes for United at Old Trafford, with the hosts registering 15 shots but not managing to find a breakthrough against a well organised back four.
Casemio went closest in the first half when his strike from distance was pushed onto the bar, while the summer signing also went close with a header, as did Fred. Cristiano Ronaldo hit the side netting early on while Marcus Rashford had three decent chances, the best of which was palmed wide by Uzoho.
The Cypriots did manage one decent chance in the first half when Bruno Felipe broke free of the United defence, but he skewed his shot wide from a narrow angle.
The second period started as the first ended with Uzoho denying Antony, Rashford and Fred in the opening few minutes. Rashford then curled wide around the hour mark and soon after slashed at a cutback shot inside the box.
The onslaught continued with Christian Eriksen deflecting an effort wide, while Rashford went close with a volley from a corner. Uzoho kept out a McTominay curled effort from distance as the game entered the latter stages and United grew ever more frustrated.
As the game moved into injury-time it looked like Omonia were going to take an unexpected point, until the ball fell to McTominay in the box after a jinking run by Sancho from the left wing. The Scotland international took a touch, swivelled and then smashed it into the back of the net to hand United the win
Here’s how we rated the players.
1. David de Gea- 6
Faced just two shots all night on what was an incredibly quiet night for the Spaniard.
2. Diogo Dalot- 5
Pushed forward at will and helped to link the play, but he didn’t create many real openings for the hosts.
3. Victor Lindelof- 7
Looked composed at the back and was rarely stretched by Omonia’s attackers running in behind.
4. Lisandro Martinez- 5
Was a little over-exuberant at times in his efforts to win the ball, but the centre-back was good in possession.