Scott McTominay’s goal against Omonia on Thursday night proved to be the difference and the midfielder, has spoken of the significance of the victory in the Red Devils’ bid to top Europa League Group E.
The midfielder was introduced as a second-half substitute, before netting a last-gasp goal to see United take home three points at Old Trafford.
It seemed like the game was destined for a draw until Scott’s late strike, which saw United move three points behind group leaders Real Sociedad, with two games remaining.
Winning the group will help United avoid ‘tough’ opposition and McTominay was pleased after what he described as a huge win for the Premier League outfit.
Massive win for United, says McTominay
Speaking after the game, the Scotsman said: “That’s massive for us. That was the message before the game, strongly reiterated by the coaches – win the group.
“Everyone wants to win the group, it’s important for the games coming ahead so, as I say, for us, it’s massive.”
Francis Uzoho enjoyed one of the performances of his career as he pulled off a host of excellent saves to deny United’s strikers for so long.
On the rival goalie’s performance, Scott said: “He was outstanding and sometimes you think it’s not going to be your day but, as I say, credit to the team.
He added: “You have to be patient. Marcus had so many opportunities and he’s come in at the end saying ‘I could have been there all day and the ball wouldn’t have gone in the net’.
“He’s done pretty much everything but score, but yeah as I say – we hit the crossbar with Casemiro. Their goalkeeper, I’ve just seen him then, was different class, to be fair to him, so fair play to them.”
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag also praised his teams efforts but believes they should have scored more goals.
“I have to compliment the team,” he said.
“We kept patient, kept getting in the right positions, kept creating chances and we didn’t allow the opponent to come out, so I think they did well. The performance was well done.”
“One thing about football, you have to score,” he added. “I think this game had to be three or four-nil.
“The only thing that we were lacking was scoring goals. We scored so many chances and that is not easy against an opponent who I would say they are really compact, like a handball defence. There was a lot of movement, a lot of creativity. So many chances, but we didn’t score.”
Back to league action for United
Since losing to local rivals Manchester City, the Red Devils are now on a three-game winning streak across all competitions. They will be aiming to make it four on the bounce but face stern opposition in the form of Newcastle, who have only tasted defeat once in the Premier League this season.
