The Red Devils faced the Cypriots at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture after travelling the week before. Erik ten Hag did not drop any major surprises with respect to his team selection, going with a more or less expected eleven.
United created a number of chances through midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was on song. The hosts produced a whopping 4.25 xG on the day, taking 34 shots, but Francis Uzoho came up on top on every single occasion except once in the dying moments of the game.
However, they were unable to score until stoppage time when Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay netted the winner to give the Red Devils a vital victory.
The win puts United in second place in Group E of the UEFA Europa League, with LaLiga side Real Sociedad currently in the first place. Imanol Alguacil’s men, who beat Sheriff 3-0, are unbeaten in the tournament and have given themselves an excellent platform so far in LaLiga as well. With talisman forward Mikel Oyarzabal set to return from an extended period of injury, things are looking good for the Spaniards.
Meanwhile, Arsenal took on Norwegian club Bodo Glimt, who were undefeated at home in 14 games. Mikel Arteta rested goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for Matt Turner, who had a tidy game, except for a booking he received for time-wasting when there were just a few minutes left on the clock.
English sensation Bukayo Saka scored a less-than-convincing goal early in the opening half-hour of the tie to give his side the decisive advantage. The loss puts Bodo in a precarious situation on the Group A table, with elimination almost certain, while Arsenal’s dream start to the season only got better.
