MANCHESTER, England — It took Manchester United more than 90 minutes to do it, but they found a way past Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday, winning 1-0.
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Although manager Erik ten Hag fielded a strong line-up, it was a substitute off the bench, Scott McTominay who scored the game-winner in stoppage time.
ESPN’s Rob Dawson has reaction and analysis from Old Trafford.
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Rapid reaction
1. Man United saved from nightmare Europa League fate
A draw at home against Omonia Nicosia would have been embarrassing enough — but it would have also meant Manchester United would be all but certain of finishing second in Group E of the Europa League. From there, they would’ve faced a last-32 tie against a team dropping down from the Champions League, possibly Barcelona, Milan or Juventus.
Erik ten Hag will be thankful, then, for Scott McTominay‘s winner deep into stoppage time.
For the fourth game in a row, one of Ten Hag’s substitutes came on to score. This time it was McTominay, who was only introduced nine minutes from time, with the midfielder poking the ball into the net from six yards out.
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Aside from saving United’s blushes, it means Ten Hag’s side still have the chance to finish top of their group and progress straight into the last-16 in the new year. Real Sociedad sit top, three points clear, courtesy of their win at Old Trafford in September, but United still have to travel to San Sebastian for the last game in the group.
It should have been far more comfortable against Omonia — United had 34 attempts on goal — but in the end it was only the result which mattered and McTominay was in the right place at the right time.
