English Premier League giants Manchester United beat Cypriot First Division club Omonia Nicosia last night in their last UEFA Europa League tie.
Substitute Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time goal was enough for the Red Devils to avoid embarrassment in front of their home fans.
Before the match, United had two wins from their three Europa League games. They needed to add the three points to stay in the first two places in the group. Their opponent was Omnio Nicosia from Cyprus, whom they somehow defeated in their last match.
Dutch coach Erik ten Hag implemented his typical 4-2-3-1 system. Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea started under the crossbar. Diogo Dalopt, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia completed the baseline. Casemiro and Fred played at the base of midfield, while Bruno Fernandes took on the role of attacking midfielder. Antony and Rashford started on the wings and Cristiano Ronaldo played as a striker.
Manchester United added the three points
From the start of the match, Manchester United dominated the game and kept a lot of pressure on Omonia’s goal. The first chance of the match fell to Marcus Rashford, but the English striker missed at close range.
Come summer, Casemiro saw his brilliant long ranger shake the post. Fred then couldn’t keep his header on target, which was the last chance for the Red Devils in a disappointing first half.
In the second half, United kept up their prolonged pressure and it was more or less the same story as the first period.
Omonia goalkeeper Uzoho put on an excellent goalkeeping display and produced double saves twice in the span of a few minutes.
Rahshford and Bruno Fernandes were guilty of blowing some easy chances. As the minutes progressed things became tense on the Red Devils pitch and Omonia threatened a memorable draw at Old Trafford.
Substitute McTominay then failed to keep his first effort on target as we entered the final stretch of the game.
Finally, in the 93rd minute of the game, McTominay managed to control the ball in a very dangerous area and with his low shot he beat Uzoho, saving the Red Devils a great embarrassment.
The match ended in a 1-0 win for Manchester United. Now with the victory, they have nine points in four games and will remain in second place in their group.
Manchester United will face Newcastle United in their next game.
