It took Man Utd 34 shots to score one goal against Omonia Nicosia as Scott McTominay came off the bench to net a stoppage-time winner at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side were given a scare last week when they came from behind to beat the Cypriot side 3-2.
They would have expected a comfortable night this time around though in what was their first home game in five weeks.
Fabiano shone for Omonia between the sticks last week but injury meant Francis Uzoho started at Old Trafford.
The lifelong Man Utd fan produced the performance of his life to keep the hosts out until added time.
The Nigeria international produced save after save as Ten Hag’s men peppered the hosts’ goal, only for substitute McTominay to seal a 1-0 victory in third minute of stoppage time.
The win puts United on the cusp of qualification but finishing top of Group E remains crucial to avoid a knockout round play-off against one of the third-ranked teams from the Champions League group phase.
Only a remarkable result at home to Sheriff Tiraspol would threaten their chances of finishing in the top two, meaning the focus is on the fight for top spot in the final pool match at Real Sociedad on November 3.
It was a last-gasp gut punch for the raucous 4,500 away fans, who made themselves heard throughout the day in Manchester and roared on their side from the outset at Old Trafford.
Fred saw a shot blocked inside the opening minute and Marcus Rashford’s curling effort from the resulting corner was the first stopped by standout goalkeeper Uzoho.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Rashford and Bruno Fernandes threatened as United continued in the ascendancy but, much like last week’s 3-2 win in Cyprus, they were failing to take their chances.
Rashford wasted a good chance when striking straight at Uzoho in front of the Stretford End and, having seen Fernandes bend wide from distance, the homegrown forward saw a fizzing strike well saved.
Ronaldo turned and hooked wide as the onslaught continued, with Casemiro seeing a thumping effort from distance rattle the crossbar with perhaps the slightest touch from Uzoho.
Ronaldo and Fred had efforts before Omonia blew a glorious chance to take the lead.
Bruno raced down the left and made a beeline for David De Gea’s goal, deciding to take a shot from an acute angle rather than crossing to wide open Andronikos Kakoulli. Lennon’s fury on the touchline was clear.
Lisandro Martinez infuriated the visiting support by stepping across Kakoulli to prevent the…
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