Europa League: Manchester United VS Omonia Nicosia, close call for Erik Ten Hag

United dominated the first 20 minutes of play with 82% possession, eight shots on goal, and 220 passes completed compared to Omonia's 51.

The Red Devils failed to capitalize on their early dominance and went into halftime down after Karim Ansarifard's shocking goal.

Despite their pressure in and around Omonia's penalty area, they could not hit the back of the net. Ronaldo and Antony came closest to scoring in the first half, but the goalkeeper, Fabinho denied them with spectacular saves.

Ronaldo was inserted into the Europa League match, and had an excellent opportunity to score his 700th club goal.

The 37-year-old remained lively throughout the first half but was denied by Fabinho's great save on a powerful attempt from a close angle. As the game progressed, Ronaldo watched more opportunities pass by him.

Ronaldo had a fantastic opportunity to score in the 78th minute when Diogo Dalot found him in the middle of the box, but he somehow struck the post from close range.

However, this wasn't Ronaldo's night, as pursuing his 700th club goal continues. Since the beginning of the 2017-18 season, he has attempted 76 free kicks but has only scored twice.

Ten Hag made substitutions of his own, bringing on Rashford and Martial in the second half, with both players making an immediate impact. Ronaldo provided an assist for Rashford's second goal, though some could argue he was aiming for the goal himself.

Rashford finished the game with two goals and an assist, while Martial did what Ronaldo couldn't do all night and scored a stunning goal in the 63rd minute.

United's sloppy defence allowed Nikolas Panayiotou to score a late equalizer for the home team, but Erik ten Hag's squad just held on.

Man United now has six points in Group E, although they stay second behind Real Sociedad, who maintained their perfect record in the group with a 2-0 victory at Sheriff Tiraspol.

Erik Ten Hag on Manchester United's performance

Ten Hag spoke to the media about United's mistakes in the game, "I think we started well, a couple of chances and then an unnecessary mistake. It cannot happen - you have to take responsibility there. Then a really bad 10 minutes and we have to learn from that."

"We were too static and you have to make opposite movements to get behind. That's why we also made two subs and they had an impact."

"I think the subs really had an impact today and that is really good to make the team stronger," he spoke about the performances of his substitutes. "We have already seen in pre-season. It was a big disappointment for this team and for me when he got injured. We missed him and that also had an effect on our performance."

When they travel to Goodison Park on Sunday evening to face Everton in the Premier League, Ten Hag's squad will be looking to regain its winning ways.