'They don't give up': Erik ten Hag pleased Manchester United showed will to win

United had 34 shots against Europa League opponents Omonia Nicosia but were unable to break the deadlock until McTominay scored in the 93rd minute.

Manchester United's Scott McTominay after scoring the only goal in the 1-0 Europa League win against Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford on October 13, 2022. Getty

Scott McTominay scores the winning goal in stoppage time. EPA

McTominay celebrates with Marcus Rashford. PA

United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledges the fans after the final whistle. Getty

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo is frustrated. Reuters

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. Reuters

Ronaldo after a missed chance. Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts against Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford. Getty

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo shoots at goal. Reuters

Erik ten Hag said he was concerned by Manchester United's profligacy in front of goal but praised his players' self-belief in securing a late win over Europa League minnows Omonia Nicosia on Thursday.

United had 34 shots and dominated possession in the Group E encounter but were unable to break the deadlock until substitute Scott McTominay scored in the 93rd minute.

"I would say the performance till the box was good, but then the finishing of course was not that good. Let's hope that we have saved the goals for the coming week," Ten Hag told reporters.

He said his team have enough creativity to win matches but that some of his players just had an off-night in front of goal.

"What the good thing is, and I have to credit the team for that, they keep going and they don't give up," he added. "They keep believing [that they could] score and in the end, they got rewarded. And that is the way you have to do it.

"I had unluckily many more nights where you play well, you create chances but you don’t net. Football is about scoring goals and avoiding them."

Marcus Rashford had 10 of the hosts’ 32 shots on a night when Omonia goalkeeper Uzoho incredibly made 12 saves.

Fabiano impressed between the sticks last Thursday as the Cypriot side lost 3-2 at home to United, but a shoulder injury meant the Nigeria international started against the side he supports.

Man United ratings v Omonia

Uzoho admitted it was the performance of his life and the delighted goalkeeper even asked for a photo with Ten Hag before United’s press conference.

“I said well done [to him],” the Dutchman said.

“He had many, many saves, so many clear goals were not in, so we kept them in the game.

“I would say the performance until the box was good but then the finishing was not that good tonight. Let’s hope that we save the goals for the coming week.”

Omnia boss Neil Lennon said of Uzoho: “He was outstanding. He was inspired and when you play a team with this calibre with a team of our calibre you need your goalkeeper to play well and he was just world-class tonight. I’m so happy for him."

Group leaders Real Sociedad have sealed their spot in the next round while United are six points ahead of Sheriff Tiraspol, with Omonia bottom after losing all four of their games.

United host Sheriff on October 27 before finishing their group campaign with a trip to Spain to face Real Sociedad on November 3.