Manchester United’s players were made to work for three Europa League points against Omonia.
The underdogs from Cyprus managed to frustrate United for 92 minutes before a goal from Scott McTominay finally broke the deadlock.
An ideal result would have seen United blitz three or four goals in the first half and then send on some of the youngsters. It wasn’t meant to be.
Instead this felt like an unnecessarily gruelling Thursday night workout, which thankfully United managed to win, to stay in with a shout of finishing in first place in the group, with Real Sociedad beating Sheriff Tiraspol.
Dalot and De Gea sends messages
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot recognised the slog, while taking the positives out of the evening, commending the team’s never say die spirit.
He congratulated the team on a hard fought result, with a message via Instagram.
Dalot’s words were followed by goalkeeper David de Gea, who reflected on the ‘many chances’ it took his teammates to win the game.
The Spanish goalkeeper had a very easy night at the other end, with Omonia content to play for the draw.
De Gea said attention is already turning to resting up for Sunday ahead of United’s match against Newcastle at Old Trafford, before games against Tottenham and Chelsea.
Speaking after the game, manager Erik ten Hag told the club website, of Sunday’s game, “[It is] a big game and we have to prepare for it well, and we have to get the energy for it.”
He admitted he wasn’t content with United’s single goal win, adding: “One thing about football, you have to score. I think this game had to be three or four-nil.”
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