MANCHESTER UNITED huffed and they puffed… and eventually blew Francis Uzoho’s house down.
The Nigerian goalkeeper proved an impenetrable wall in the Omonia Nicosia’s net for 92 minutes.
His stunning performance combined with some steely defending and poor finishing looked to have earned the Cyprus side a commendable 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
But subs Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay combined to grab a last-gasp winner for United – which could prove crucial come the knockout stages.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Erik ten Hag’s men…
David de Gea – 5
Looked a little unsure when he came flying out of his area unnecessarily but thanks to Omonia’s terrible finishing kept a clean sheet.
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Diogo Dalot – 4
Almost dropped his team in it with a loose backwards pass almost put Omonia through on goal before Martinez intervened.
Struggled to offer much going forwards either then threw in a pathetic dive as the Red Devils got desperate.
Victor Lindelof – 4
Was burned for pace by Bruno Felipe who burst through just before half-time – but the Swede escaped because of Felipe’s selfishness.
Didn’t look totally convincing throughout.
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Lisandro Martinez – 5
Bumped Andronikos Kakoullis to the ground when the Cypriot side’s skipper tried to pounce – was deemed not a foul but could be considered lucky.
Tyrell Malacia – 5
Drifted inside into midfield as an inverted full-back throughout.
When he did get down the line and deliver a cross, took a whack on the ankle – shook it off but replaced after an hour.
Casemiro – 6
Almost scored a belter for the Brazilian’s first Manchester United goal but crashed a pile-driver against the bar then sent a header wide on the stroke of half-time.
Came away unscathed from a shocking tackle by Moreto Cassama midway through the second half.
Fred – 5
Should have headed United in front with a free header six yards out as he pushed on to join the wave after wave of attacks.
Brought off as Ten Hag wanted a more attack-minded midfielder.
Antony – 4
Lacked conviction seconds into the second half when he should have scored but the shot was too tame.
Then fluffed his cross on his significantly-weaker right foot, which was greeted with a chorus of groans and boos from the stands.
Didn’t last much longer before being subbed off – it was not Antony’s night.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Was pretty busy and involved in most good things for United, whipping in a few teasing deliveries that just needed a final touch.
But as with the rest of his team-mates, struggled to find any way past an inspired Uzoho.
Just about United’s ‘best’ player on the night… but that’s not saying too much.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Will be wondering how he didn’t break the deadlock as he was denied by Francis Uzoho on three occasions in the first half – and the trend continued in the second.
Rashford looked sharp on the left flank but really lacked the clinical finishing he and his side were desperately craving.
Up there with Fernandes as the top performer.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 5
Joined the rest of his attackers as a frustrated figure with things not going his way.
Didn’t really have any clear-cut chances to get on the scoresheet.
SUBS
Luke Shaw (for Malacia, 60 mins) – 5
Didn’t offer loads at left-back.
Jadon Sancho (for Antony, 60 mins) – 6
Tried to dance inside and out on the right but it was from the right he got the assist.
Christian Eriksen (for Fred, 70 mins) – 6
Was tasked with trying to unpick the defence for the last 20 minutes and was involved in the goal.
Scott McTominay (for Casemiro, 81 mins) – 7
Tried his luck with a sighter just after coming on then showed great control and kept his cool with a low finish to break Omonia hearts.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
