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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Scott McTominay ends 23-year Man Utd record held by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Scott McTominay became the first Manchester United substitute to bag an added-time winner in European competition since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's famous strike at the Nou Camp.

The Norwegian's effort in 1999 helped the Red Devils complete a late turnaround to see off Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. It allowed Sir Alex Ferguson's side to claim a historic treble and remains one of the most iconic goals in the club's history.

23 years later and McTominay struck a winner after the 90 minutes was up - albeit with far less on the line. The midfielder's effort ensured United picked up three points in their Europa League group against minnows Omonia Nicosia. The Cypriot outfit were minutes away from claiming a famous point, but were ultimately denied.

McTominay, like Solskjaer, was sent on by his manager as the Manchester outfit eyed a crucial win. The Scot showed composure when the ball fell to him a matter of yards out from goal before firing past Francis Uzoho, who had been in inspired form.

Solskjaer, who returned to manage the Red Devils, has previously admitted that his iconic strike had an element of luck about it. He said: “The goal wasn’t practised or prepared for, it was just instinct from many years as a striker. It was about being in the box and knowing how to guide it towards goal. I was lucky to flick it on - and that it went under the crossbar, not over it.”

McTominay's late effort on Thursday night keeps United's hopes of topping their group alive, with a game against leaders Real Sociedad still to come. The Spanish side secured a win at Old Trafford, meaning the Premier League outfit will need to beat them in the return fixture if they are to finish first.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's strike won Man Utd the Champions League (Getty Images)

Will Man Utd win the Europa League? Have your say in the comments!

McTominay told BT Sport : "We knew we needed the win tonight but that they'd be fired up too. Neil Lennon is a great coach and no games like this are ever easy. Everyone is pleased with the result. You have to be patient sometimes. Rashford had so many chances and we did everything but score.

"Their goalkeeper was a different class but we created enough chances and deserved to score in the end. I wasn't on the pitch for the majority of the game but sometimes you think it's not going to be your day. The team spirit is good though and no one ever gives up. It's a massive goal because we need to win the group."

Erik ten Hag added: "Football is about scoring goals, we create so many chances but ball went in the net only one time and we are happy at that."

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