Neil Lennon admits had Omonia Nicosia secured a point at Manchester United, it would have been up there with his triumph over Barcelona.
The Celtic hero is back in management with the Cypriot side and he was just one minute away from securing another famous result on the big stage. Last week Erik ten Hag's men came out on top in a five-goal thriller in Cyprus with the two sides battling it out again this week at Old Trafford in their Europa League matchday four clash.
Lennon's underdogs looked like they were going to secure what he describes as 'the greatest result in the club's history' but suffered huge heartbreak in the final moments with Scotland international Scott McTominay firing home a winner in the 93rd minute. Francis Uzoho was in inspired form for the visitors but he was unable to secure a famous clean sheet to go along with his heroic display.
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The ex-Hoops boss was delighted with his players efforts hailing his stopper - in for current number one Fabiano - 'world class'.
And he admits a result would've been up their with his Champions League win over Barcelona as Celtic boss - ten years ago next month.
Speaking after the last-gasp defeat at Old Trafford, Lennon said: “We were a minute or so from the greatest result in the club’s history.
“I’m so proud of the players especially my goalkeeper who was world class tonight.
“We defended heroically. It was wave after wave of attack.
“If we’d got the draw it would’ve been up there with Barcelona.”
Matchwinner McTominay was full of praise for Celtic legend Lennon following the two fixtures against his Omonia side.
He added: “We knew we needed to the win game but that they’d be fired up too.
“Neil Lennon is a great coach and no games like this are ever easy. Everyone is pleased with the result.
“You have to be patient sometimes. Their goalkeeper was a different class but we created enough chances and deserved to score in the end. It’s a massive goal because we need to win the group.”
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