With Manchester United hanging on against Aston Villa, Eric Bailly produced a 95th minute block which sealed the win.
Bailly blocked a goal bound effort deep into injury time to deny Villa what would have been a heartbreaking equaliser.
United had worked hard to take the lead twice, scoring through Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes.
With a win required to move United to the joint top of the table, the players knew how much was at stake.
This helped explain the full-time whistle celebrations as the players crowded round Bailly and cheered his vital contribution.
Bailly had put in a performance in which he gave everything. The way he threw himself at the late shot was typical of how he had approached the game.
United highlighted the unity in the squad the late celebrations showed. Every player knew Bailly had just saved two points from being dropped.
Villa played well and pushed United hard right to the end. Although as is often the case, the players missed chances to put the game out of sight.
United can be happy with the league position we are in, but this was also a lesson learned. Bailly won’t be able to block every shot, and the attackers must kill teams off earlier.
Nonetheless the late celebrations at the final whistle were a joy to see and represented a team full of belief. Here is a look at how fans reacted to the late drama…
- After Ruben Amorim tried to kill it, Man Utd’s attacking DNA is returning with seven exciting wingers
- Every Man Utd player with a connection to Inter Miami after Casemiro deal
- Man Utd signing Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga now relies on a Man City decision
- Man Utd’s disregard for loyal fans proves Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs were right
- Manchester United’s blue 26/27 away kit is a good omen for winning European trophies
- Who is Karim Cassim? Man Utd sign JJ Gabriel’s England youth international teammate
- Three players can make their first Man Utd appearance vs Rosenborg, JJ Gabriel leads the way
- Manchester United fans send message to Ineos after £4m Tynan Thompson deal is confirmed
- Who is David Eze? Man Utd’s new wonderkid signing who snubbed Arsenal and was poached from Man City
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
