Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag lauded his team’s enthusiasm, and confidence after Scott McTominay scored a stoppage-time victory against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League to keep the Red Devils’ chances of qualifying as group champions alive.
When McTominay came in with fewer than ten minutes left to play, Jadon Sancho set him up in the area for the game-winning goal.
Consequently, United is now three points behind Real Sociedad, who defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 to earn their fourth victory in as many games. Real Sociedad is the group’s leader.
Up to McTominay’s winning goal, United controlled the game and had many excellent scoring opportunities.
“There is a lot of creativity and scoring potential on this squad. You sometimes have a night when nothing works out. It was that night today “Ten Hag stated.
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“But the team’s perseverance and refusal to give up was positive. They continue to believe, and in the end, we are rewarded. That is the method we must use.
“I’m thrilled about it. It has to do with the team and squad’s spirit. The 11 players are not the only factor.
“It does that sometimes. When substitutes are focused and have the correct mentality, they may make a difference.”
Francis Uzoho, the goalkeeper for Omonia, stopped 11 of United’s 12 efforts on goal, making him the visitors’ best player.
Despite stopping three significant opportunities for Marcus Rashford in the first half, he could not stop McTominay’s shot in the 93rd minute.
Before Fred headed over the crossbar from an open position in the box in the first half, Casemiro, who began midfield beside Fred, also hit the crossbar.
McTominay missed a reckless attempt into the seats before he regained his composure to score the game-winning goal in front of a jubilant Old Trafford crowd. But, unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo could not take his opportunities either.
With a win, United’s chances of winning the group remain realistic. On October 27, they host Sheriff Tiraspol in their next game.
Omonia, who had few chances at the other end, was allowed to score on the cusp of halftime. Still, Bruno Felipe failed to set up teammate Andronikos Kakoullis, who was entirely unrestricted in the center, for a goal.
4,500 out-of-town supporters supported Neil Lennon’s team, who had led 1-0 in the previous week’s rematch until Marcus Rashford scored twice to give United a 3-2 victory.
“The staff makes me really happy. One of the greatest outcomes in the history of our club was only minutes away “Lennon stated.
“Within a short period, we have advanced significantly. Against Sociedad, as well as today and last week, we almost earned a draw. Since I arrived here in March, the players have been outstanding.
“The fans were terrific. They seemed to be enjoying the whole event. They demonstrated their immense pride in the team. It is fantastic to attract 4,000 or more people from Cyprus.
“This journey, in my opinion, helped Omonia gain some notoriety throughout Europe. We must expand on it.”