Manchester United avoided one of the most humiliating results in their history by coming from behind to beat minnows Omonia Nicosia 3-2.
The Red Devils were unable to assert their early dominance as they wasted good chances before being punished in the 34th minute.
Erik ten Hag’s men were done with the counterattack as Karim Ansarifard completed the move by sending the ball into the roof of the net after Tyrell Malacia was stripped.
Seconds earlier, Man United had netted a free-kick into their opponents’ half and the goal brought back memories of a goal he conceded in a Champions League defeat at Istanbul Basaksehir in the the 2020/21 season.
Reacting to Omonia’s opener, Dean Ashton said in a commentary for talkSPORT 2: “What a mistake. How does this happen even when Malacia is the only United player with three Nicosia players around him?
“It’s a shiny finish by the way. He elevates him above David de Gea…unbelievable.
“It reminds me of a goal they conceded against Istanbul a few years ago when there was nobody to defend.”
Ashton later added, “I’m stunned. They were so confident. The goal is shocking where they allowed a counter-attack from your own corner.
Europa League nights always make the headlines… 💫
Omonia leads 1-0 against Manchester United thanks to this brilliant counter-attack!! 😲#UEL pic.twitter.com/T1hSz05RLQ
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 6, 2022
“Then the reaction, they just didn’t compose. Omonia Nicosia have grown and been the better team since the goal.
“If the Manchester derby was embarrassing, it could be more so.”
However, Man United equalized in the 53rd minute as Marcus Rashford skillfully curled the ball past Fabiano Freitas.
Substitute Anthony Martial turned the game around with a strike from the edge of the box in the 62nd minute before Rashford netted his second late in the 84th minute from close range.
A looser Man United defense allowed Nikolas Panayiotou to pull one off for the hosts.
Ashton said: “It’s an absolute mess defensively from Manchester United.”
But Man United held on to claim their second victory of their Europa League campaign this season. But they were far from convincing…
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