Scott McTominay’s injury-time goal was all that Manchester United needed to defeat Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford in the Europa League after being outplayed for the entirety of the game, especially by substitute goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
Last Thursday, United defeated Omonia 3-2 to move up to second place in Group E, three points behind the leader Real Sociedad.
Unsurprisingly, United had the majority of the early possession, but there weren’t many clear opportunities in the early going. Marcus Rashford was twice stopped by powerful saves from Uzoho when the hosts did manage to get a shot on goal.
In order to advance to the next round, the Red Devils had to defeat the Cypriot First Division champions at Old Trafford on Thursday night without making any mistakes.
Midway through the first half, Bruno Fernandes flashed a long-range effort just wide of the goal, leaving Uzoho either rooted to the spot or certain it was off target, before Rashford saw the Nigerian stopper’s fingertips keep the scores level.
The game remained scoreless, but United applied more pressure in the second half, forcing more saves from Uzoho thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo. The fact that Moreto Cassama received only a warning for what appeared to be a dangerous tackle on Casemiro may have saved Omonia from going down to 10 men. As United signalled for a handball, the Cypriots also escaped calls for penalties.
In the final ten minutes, Uzoho was required to make another save. He did so by blocking a low attempt from substitute Scott McTominay to his left.
However, it was the same player who, in the 92nd minute, helped United, who had taken 33 shots overall, to victory. He displayed excellent composure as the ball fell to him from about seven yards out. Uzoho had no chance from there as the ball eventually flew past him.
