Erik ten Hag delight as Manchester United keep believing
- Planet Sport writer
- 14 October 2022
Erik ten Hag was relieved to see Scott McTominay score a late goal for Manchester United and secure a much-needed 1-0 win over Omonia Nicosia, at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Playing at home for the first time in five weeks, poor finishing and the inspired performance of back-up goalkeeper Francis Uzoho had the Cypriot side dreaming of an incredible Europa League result.
But three minutes into stoppage time United managed to score with their 34th attempt of the evening as Jadon Sancho found fellow sub McTominay to seal a win from close range.
"What you see is that in every game except against Brentford we score, so in this team there's a lot of creativity and scoring capabilities," manager Ten Hag said of his side's finishing.
"Sometimes you have a night where you will not succeed and for some players today was that night.
"But what the good thing is - and I have to congratulate the team for that - they keep going and they don't give up.
"They keep believing they will the score and in the end they get rewarded. That is the way how 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 Lennon's side lost 3-2 at home to United, but a shoulder injury meant the Nigeria international started against the side he supports.
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 - whose side are on the cusp of qualification for the knockout phase but face a fight until the end with Real Sociedad to Group E - 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."
