Manchester United used stoppage time to rescue themselves from an embarrassing draw with Europa League minnows Omonia on Thursday.
Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time winner eases the pressure on Erik ten Hag and his squad going into the final two group games. Only the club that tops the group automatically qualifies for the knockout rounds, with second place having to go through a play-off against an eliminated Champions League side.
Real Sociedad beat Sheriff in Spain meaning anything but three points for United would have seen them lose pace with the La Liga side. A heroic defensive effort from Omonia, in which goalkeeper Francis Uzoho starred, made it a frustrating night for the Reds.
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McTominay’s strike will get the headlines but there were three moments fans may have missed during the closing stages.
Casemiro motivates McTominay
Casemiro started his fourth game for United and was in the thick of the action, smashing a shot off the bar in the first half. He was replaced by eventual match-winner McTominay on 81 minutes.
When coming off the field Casemiro was seen motivating the Scot, giving him a message of support before slapping hands.
Ronaldo raises arm amid winner
Cristiano Ronaldo had an eventful night. After rueing a missed chance and sharing a brief joyful embrace with goalkeeper Uzoho, he later kicked the post in frustration when Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage-time cross could only find the shot-stopper’s arms.
But when McTominay fired home, Ronaldo was seen raising his arm, usually a gesture defenders use when appealing for offside. The ball passed close to him on the way into the net - only he knows whether he was checking to see if he had interfered or otherwise.
Dalot and Fernandes forgive McTominay
Moments before his winner, McTominay blasted a shot over the bar from the edge of the box when he had Fernandes and Diogo Dalot in acres of space on his right. They shared their frustration with angry open-arm gestures.
But as soon as McTominay struck home, all was forgiven, with both players furiously sprinting to the midfielder to congratulate him.
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