Harry Maguire and Andre Onana, two of Manchester United’s players who have received heavy criticism in the past months came to the rescue of the Red Devils as they secured a vital 1-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
Maguire scored the lone goal in the 72nd minute, while Onana saved a penalty in the final seconds of the match to ensure United register their first win in the Champions League this season.
This and their general performance throughout the game earned them praise from their manager Erik Ten Hag.
“I think he is playing more proactive. Defending on the front foot; he is also stepping in and playing forward. Very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating,” Ten Hag said of Maguire.
“Also in the right moments, he is showing his aggression against the opponents. Then, you see he is also rewarded because of his heading.
“I have to say it is a great pass from Christian [Eriksen], but it was a great finish.”
On Onana who has had a not so good start at United, Ten Hag said the goalkeeper showed personality in saving Jordan Larson’s last minute penalty.
“He showed personality, and he knows that before was not the levels that his skills are, he didn’t match his skills and he could do better and I think Saturday (at Sheffield) was a very good performance and today as well.”
This victory takes United into third in Group A on three points after three games.
It is also their third consecutive victory in all competitions after their back-to-back victories against Brentford and Sheffield United in the Premier League.
