Manchester United survived an almighty scare to claim three crucial points against Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia on Thursday evening, with the Red Devils picking up their second successive win in the Europa League, albeit in far from convincing fashion.

Just a matter of days after their humbling defeat to rivals Manchester City, Erik ten Hag's side looked to have hit a new low after they went in 1-0 down at the break, having been stung on the counter by their unfancied hosts after missing a handful of early chances to go ahead themselves.

Fearing making the headlines once again for all the wrong reasons, the former Ajax boss introduced Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford after the interval, with that move paying dividends as the latter man made his mark, netting twice and laying on an assist for fellow substitute Anthony Martial to continue his fine early season form.

The Premier League's Player of the Month for September had looked to have taken the game away from Neil Lennon's spirited home side with those telling contributions, only for Omonia to ensure a nervy finish after netting late on through Nikolas Panagiotou.

As it proved there was to be no late rally as United just about edged their way to victory, with that man Rashford seemingly set to earn the plaudits for his stunning impact off the bench, having previously been something of a bystander at the Etihad after recording just 12 touches.

For all the Englishman's brilliance on the night, teammate Lisandro Martinez was another who truly shone for the away side, producing an eye-catching display in possession to showcase his ball-playing quality.

The Argentine repeatedly got his side on the front foot with a succession of incisive forward passes from his 118 touches, notably making 24 passes into the final third in his 90-minute outing - the most of any player for either side.

One such action helped to steer United ahead as the 24-year-old fed the aforementioned Rashford who in turn teed up Martial with a clever flick, with the centre-back having repeatedly helped to spark attacks from deep against an opposition largely camped inside their own half.

Such quality was lauded by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst in his post-match player ratings, awarding the £45m-rated ace an 8/10, while stating: "The defender ended the first-half as United's best attacker. Martinez's line-breaking passing was useful time and again for United."

Not just an asset in an attacking sense, the 5 foot 9 machine also proved effective in his defensive duties as he notably recorded five clearances and completed six recoveries, while also winning 100% of his aerial duels.

Although tougher tests will lie ahead - with Everton to come at a typically lively Goodison Park on Sunday - Martinez once again illustrated just what a crucial figure he can be for the Old Trafford outfit this season, both for his ability on the ball and off it.