Why United’s late clinchers provide a perfect boost
However, they really do matter to me. I view them as a big positive to set things up nicely for the next game, end things on a high and enhance morale within the camp. They are almost like a final flourish, the killer blow to a vanquished opponent and, as I’ve mentioned, it shows we can keep going for 90+ minutes and crucify teams on the break. Maybe it’s even a warning that, if you attack us in numbers, it will be at your peril.
United have certainly left it late plenty of times already this term and I think this is something that warrants a bit of attention. Some 13 of our 31 goals in 2020/21 have been scored in the 80th minute or later.
Luton Town were seen off in the Carabao Cup with two goals in the last couple of minutes securing a 3-0 triumph. Paul Pogba’s free-kick sealed qualification in the next round, at Brighton, with 10 minutes or so left. We only went ahead with Bruno’s 85th-minute gem at Newcastle United but still punished the Magpies further with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford getting in on the act. RB Leipzig were put to the sword in the closing stages to rack up a 5-0 victory.
