Manchester United survived a huge Europa League scare last night and needed an injury-time winner to beat Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford.
Scott McTominay scored three minutes into stoppage time to stave off United’s blushes and keep them in touch with Real Sociedad atop Group E.
United now sit comfortably in second place, having bounced back from their Matchday 1 loss to Sociedad and have won their next three games.
In previous seasons, second place would have been enough to ensure safe passage to the next round of the competition.
However, as reported by Sporting News, recent changes to the Europa League format now mean that top spot carries a huge advantage with automatic progression to the next round.
First place in the group now grants a direct passage to the round of 16, while second place now means a round of 16 playoff that looks tricky against a team falling out of this year’s Champions League, in order to progress. .
Adding to the complicated situation, the abandonment of this year’s Champions League looks particularly strong. Barcelona, ​​Juventus and Ajax need small miracles to avoid falling out of the Europa League with Sevilla, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid also likely to drop out of Europe’s second-tier competition.
While the prospect of these glamor ties is delightful on paper, Erik ten Hag would prefer to avoid these two-legged test matches that would add to the already packed post-World Cup schedule.
Both United and Sociedad are expected to play in their Matchday 5 matches, with United at home to Sheriff Tiraspol, while Sociedad travel to bottom of the group, Omonia.
This scenario is likely to create a direct confrontation in Spain between United and Sociedad on Matchday 6 to decide who ensures safe passage.
Europa League group placement is decided by goal difference, with United currently sitting at plus-3 and Sociedad at plus-7.
This gives Matchday 5 more importance. United would have hoped to get past their GD last night but were met with stubborn defending and an inspired goalkeeper as they only allowed one goal.
United will be expecting the same spirited performance from Omonia in their game against Sociedad and will be looking to reduce the deficit at home to Sheriff.
Regardless of goal difference, United will need to win in Spain. Not the easiest task against a Sociedad side who have come through the group after beating United at Old Trafford on matchday one.
Without a doubt, Ten Hag’s message for his team will be “win the group” and every goal in the last two games will be vital.
