Manchester United made it back-to-back wins in the UEFA Europa League with a 3-2 victory over Omonia Nicosia on Thursday night.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Omonia Nicosia 2-3 Manchester United
Date: 06 October 2022
Venue: Tsirion Athlítiko Kentro
Man United made three changes to the side that were humiliated by Manchester City on Sunday, as Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Victor Lindelof were recalled.
The visitors had a bright start as Ronaldo came close to giving them an early lead with a threatening strike on the edge of the box that forced a reflex save from goalkeeper Fabiano.
The Red Devils remained on the front foot as Bruno Fernandes had a big chance on 18 minutes after he was sent through on goal by Ronaldo but his lobbed effort over Fabiano came off the crossbar.
Erik ten Hag's charges wasted a few more opportunities and they were caught on a counter-attack 11 minutes before the interval after Karim Ansarifard latched onto a through ball by Bruni Souza and lifted the ball into the top corner.
United needed to respond coming from the halftime break and Ten Hag changed the shape of attack during the interval, as Marcus Rashford replaced Jadon Sancho while Luke Shaw replaced Tyrell Malacia.
Rashford had an immediate impact, as he restored parity for the Red Devils within eight minutes after he won possession on the edge of the box and curled a fantastic strike beyond the reach of Fabiano.
Ten Hag made another attacking change around the hour-mark as Anthony Martial replaced Fernandes and the Frenchman made the desired impact a minute later when he gave United the lead with a low curling strike from the edge of the box after being set up by Rashford.
Omonia were fortunate not to go 3-1 down in the last 12 minutes after a mix-up at the back saw Diogo Dalot round Fabiano in the box and played a cut-back to Ronaldo, who saw his strike crash against the upright.
The Red Devils got the third goal in the last six minutes when Ronaldo's attempted low strike was turned home by Rashford at the far post.
However, Nikolas Panagiotou reduced the deficit for Neil Lennon's troops just a minute later with a first-time side-footed shot towards the far post after a cross by Andronikos Kakoullis against the run of play.
United spurned big chances in the tail end, with Ronaldo the main culprit but they did just enough to hold on and secured their second win in Group E.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
