Manchester United 1-0 Omonia: Three Key Talking Points From Late Win

Omonia made Manchester United work right until the end for all three points at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag opted to field a strong lineup at home to comfortably wrap up a win and keep United’s hopes of winning the group alive. But the outing was anything but comfortable, despite the Red Devils dominating both the possession and territory at their own patch.

United had to wait until the stoppage time for a breakthrough, as Scott McTominay came off the bench to break the visitors’ hearts in the 93rd minute.

Here are the key talking points from the United’s fourth Europa League tie:

1.  Uzoho’s dream display

An injury to first-choice goalkeeper Fabiano Freitas opened doors for Francis Uzoho to start at the Theatre of Dreams.  The boyhood United fan took the opportunity with both hands and dropped a dream display, only blemished by a late McTominay goal.

Uzoho made 12 saves throughout the game, impressing not only the away supporters but also the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ten Hag with his shot-stopping skills.

https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1580668035341639680

 

2. Sancho’s Impact

The Englishman has lost his starting spot to Marcus Rashford after a slow start to the season. Against Everton, he remained an unused substitute and had to wait until the second half on Thursday night for his chance to impress.

He’s been under criticism largely for not being direct and aggressive with the ball, but against Omonio he didn’t lack any intent. It was his dribbling in the penalty area that opened the away side’s defence and space for McTominay to score the goal.

 

3. McTominay’s Goal

Akin to Sancho, the late goal would do a world of good for the confidence of McTominay who also lost his place in the Starting XI after a dip in form.

Ten Hag perhaps knew how good the academy midfielder’s ball-striking is, as he hooked off Casemiro for him in the 81st minute, with United pushing for the winner. McTominay took three shots at Omonio’s goal before rattling the net in the 93rd minute in what was United’s 34th attempt to grab all three points.