Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised the spirit and belief of his side as Scott McTominay scored a stoppage-time winner over Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League to keep alive their hopes of qualifying as group winners.

October 14, 2022 World Sports

McTominay, introduced with less than 10 minutes remaining, fired in the winner after fellow substitute Jadon Sancho teed him up in the box.

The result means United remain three points behind Group E leaders Real Sociedad, who beat Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 for their fourth win in as many matches in the competition.

United dominated and had several huge chances to score but were left frustrated until McTominay’s winner.

“In this team there is a lot of creativity and scoring capabilities. Sometimes you have a night where you will not succeed. Today was that night,” said Ten Hag.

“But the good thing was the team keep going and they don’t give up. They keep believing and in the end we get the reward. That is the way we have to do it.

“I am really happy with that. It is about the spirit in the team and the squad. It is not just about the 11 players.

“Sometimes it works like that. Substitutes can have an impact when they have the right attitude and the right focus.”

Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was undoubtedly the visitors’ best performer as he kept out 11 of United’s 12 shots on target.

But he could do nothing to stop McTominay’s strike in the 93rd minute, having saved three big chances for Marcus Rashford in the first half.

Casemiro, who started in midfield alongside Fred, struck the crossbar in the first half too, before Fred headed over the bar from an unmarked position in the box.

Cristiano Ronaldo could not take his chances either and McTominay had smashed a wild shot into the stands before finding the composure to score the winner in front of an elated Old Trafford crowd.

Victory means United’s hopes of topping the group remains within their grasp. They face Sheriff Tiraspol at home in their next match on 27 October.