Cristiano Ronaldo was guilty of one of the misses of the season after somehow failing to score for Manchester United in their Europa League tie against Omonia. The Portuguese superstar was presented with a golden chance to end his barren run in front of goal but hit the frame from two yards out to compound his misery.

The 37-year-old is yet to score for the Red Devils this season in six Premier League appearances, of which he has only started one game, although he did open his account for the campaign in the 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol.

And Ronaldo would have fancied his chances to add to his tally in Cyprus when Erik ten Hag’s side faced minnows Omonia Nicosia, managed by ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon. However, the veteran striker found that his luck in front of goal is yet to change after a shocking miss.

From the left hand side, Diogo Dalot squared the ball to Ronaldo and it seemed there was only one outcome as he sized up his effort, even with one Omonia defender standing on the goal line. But somehow, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner struck his effort against the post to leave United’s position under question with only a one-goal cushion.

By his lofty standards, Ronaldo would have expected to score and his effort did not go unnoticed by former United midfielder Robbie Savage, who laid into the forward’s effort while working as a co-commentator for BT Sport for the game.

“As the ball comes back he’s got to score Ronaldo,” Savage said. “I’m not sure how Ronaldo has missed that. I don’t think he can quite believe it himself.”

United had been trailing in the first half despite dominating much of the proceedings when Iran international Karim Ansarifard struck home to stun the Premier League side. Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial then turned the game on its head before Ronaldo’s unforgettable miss cost his side a chance to seal the points.

His blushes were spared when Rashford extended the visitors’ lead to 3-1 late on before Nikolas Panayiotou ensured a grandstand finish after grabbing a goal back in the 85th minute. But Ten Hag’s side held on for a nervy victory and priceless three points in their quest to qualify for the last-16 knockout round.

The Dutchman has seen his team rise to second in the group behind leaders Real Sociedad, who defeated Sheriff 2-0 in Transnistria. However, Ten Hag will be puzzled as to how to solve his issue with Ronaldo as he extended his drought in front of goal to one in nine appearances.

And with Rashford and Martial impressing from the bench, it appears likely the Portuguese will be taking his place on the sidelines for Sunday’s game against Everton at Goodison Park.

• An Express report