Erik ten Hag makes the difference in Manchester United's narrow win vs Omonia Nicosia

Going off Manchester United's penchant for recruiting back-up goalkeepers who have excelled against them, Francis Uzoho's chances of an Old Trafford transfer are auspicious.

The only difference is Uzoho did not step off the pitch undefeated. For 93 minutes, he was until Scott McTominay rifled the ball in from close range.

In the 90th minute, McTominay almost endangered spectators with a shot and that was the cue for thousands to vent and exit. The days when United supporters stayed until the final kick belong to yesteryear. Uzoho collaped to the turf at full-time and was hauled up by his manager Neil Lennon.

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The mentality of this United squad is still a work in progress and labouring to two wins over the Cypriot league runners-up underlines that. McTominay's mentality is never lacking and his recovery was a swift one.

Thirty-four attempts, 13 corners, 12 saves, one stubborn custodian and one goal. Uzoho was blamed for Nigeria's failure to qualify for the World Cup yet has salvaged his calendar year with a night to remember, despite the belated blemish.

Omonia Nicosia were deprived of their impressive goalkeeper Fabiano yet Uzoho was as vigilant and busier, denying Marcus Rashford twice in the first-half and grazing Casemiro's piledriver onto the crossbar. There were two saves inside the first 30 seconds of the second-half.

Tom Heaton and Martin Dubravka, spectators in the dugout, and Lee Grant were men possessed against United before they transferred to the club. Uzoho is a boyhood United fan and vowed he would "die" in goal against them. His goal certainly led a charmed life.

In the 87th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo was impatiently demanding the ball's return and Erik