Manchester United were made to sweat more than they would have liked in their 3-2 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia.
After going into the break 1-0 down, substitutes Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford turned the game on its head. The latter brought the game level eight minutes after his half-time entrance before teeing up Martial to hit home his first of the season 10 minutes later.
Another goal from Rashford six minutes from time ultimately earned United the win, although the visitors conceded another less than 60 seconds later to set up a nervy ending. But United held on to go second in the group on six points.
READ MORE: Manchester United player ratings vs Omonia
With five goals to take in and a whole host of missed chances, United fans may have missed a few things that went on during the contest...
Antony and Dalot interaction
Summer signing Antony and right-back Diogo Dalot were seen communicating with each other throughout the match using arm gestures from the first whistle. The pair have been able to strike up a good relationship quickly due to their shared language of Portuguese.
In the first-half Dalot was pushing forward as often as he could, underlapping Antony. At one stage, though, the Brazilian instructed Dalot to stay in position when the ball was in transition, allowing for more coverage to avoid a potential break.
Attacking tactics
As seen against Manchester City, when United were attacking, the full-backs bombed on - sometimes operating in a central position - while a midfielder filled in to create a back three when in possession.
While United dominated the play and still carried out this tactic for most of the match, the away side’s best spells came when both full-backs didn’t push as high.
Malacia avoids accident
Unlike when he was dispossessed for the opener, Tyrell Malacia avoided an embarrassing moment on the half-hour when chasing a loose ball.
Keeping the ball in play, his momentum took him into the advertising boards and but for his balance and grip would have gone over and fallen nastily. He was hooked at the break after a sub-par display.
Substitution gaffe
There was momentary confusion when the fourth official displayed the wrong number on his board for Martial’s substitution. The number 18 was shown - Bruno Fernandes’ old number - instead of the number eight.
Casemiro had come over to the sidelines before Erik ten Hag gestured for him to stay on. Martial fired home just moments after his entrance to put United 2-1 up.
Ronaldo frustration
Thursday night was not to be the night Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 700th career goal. The superstar came close on numerous occasions, hitting the post during one passage in the second half when he should have found the net.
After being left out of Sunday’s derby he seemed determined to find the net, but his efforts were all in vain. Despite the win he was seen disgruntled at full-time, throwing his tape to the ground in annoyance.
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