Man United goalkeeper de Gea pays tribute to Uzoho after fine display at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER United goalkeeper David de Gea was among those who paid tribute to Super Eagles shot stopper Francis Uzoho after he put in a redeeming performance in a Europa League match at Old Trafford last night almost keeping a clean sheet.

In the match that saw Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia square up to Manchester United, Uzoho kept the English side at bay for 90 minutes, only succumbing to an injury time goal from substitute Scott McTominay. Making a total of 11 point blank saves during the match, Uzoho, himself a Manchester United fan, will be hoping that the performance helps him make a dream move to the club he supported as a young boy.

As far back as 2017, Uzoho had sent De Gea a message on Twitter congratulating him on his birthday and promised that one day he would come for his shirt. Yesterday, the two faced in each other as Uzoho regained the number shirt at Omonia after losing it due to recent inconsistent form and put in a performance showing he is back to his best.

Back in 2018, Uzoho was in superb form for club and country but of late his form has been atrocious as his fumbling within the sticks cost Nigeria a place in the 2022 World Cup. For the Super eagles, he has consistently let in innocuous long range efforts on goal, which are normally bread and butter for an average goalkeeper.

Yesterday, however, he sought to redeem himself and de Gea was one of those who paid him tribute for a job well done. There were fears that Uzoho could crumble under the bright lights but a superb early save from Marcus Rashford seemingly gave him confidence and for  90 minutes, he formed a human barricade to prevent the Red Devils from edging in front.

No less than 11 saves were made before substitute Scott McTominay lashed in from close range in second-half stoppage time. Lifelong Man United fan Uzoho was beaming after the final whistle following his heroic display.

Back in 2017, the 23-year-old posted on Twitter: "Happy birthday to my idol. Am coming for you though David de Gea."

After the game, De Gea himself was among those to single out his defeated opponent. Man United manager Erik ten Hag admitted that his players had an off-night in front of goal but credited them for keeping the belief that a goal would come.

Mr ten Haag said: "Uzoho had an amazing game and kept his team in the game. In the end we scored but he made a great game."