Harry Maguire’s brilliant goal and Andre Onana heroics from the penalty helped Manchester United to kick start their Champions League Campaign. Having lost their first two fixtures in Group A, the Red Devils were condemned to win last night and they did just so.
FC Copenhagen arrived Old Trafford with a draw and a loss in their first two games and last night loss further put a dent to their progression in the tournament
Ironically two players that have come under heavy criticism this season were responsible for the win, United’s first in this campaign
In the Champions League against Copenhagen, on a night when United were honouring one of their greatest players and when the manager admitted “victory is our only option”, two of his most criticised players certainly did step up.
Harry Maguire and Andre Onana have been heavily scrutinised in recent times.
Maguire lost captaincy in the summer and West Ham United had a bid for him accepted. The 30-year-old opted to remain at Old Trafford but, having slipped to fifth-choice central defender – behind left-back Luke Shaw – no-one was sure why.
Manchester United In Search Of First Win As Champions League Match Day Three Takes Center Stage
However, with 18 minutes remaining, it was Maguire who forced his way onto the end of Christian Eriksen’s brilliant curling cross to the far post.
And with the final action of the game, deep into added time, it was Onana who beat away Jordan Larsson’s penalty to secure a first win of United’s European campaign and keep their hopes of qualification for the Champions League last 16 alive.
Manchester United next game is a derby against city rivals Manchester City in the Premier League before the reverse fixture against FC Copenhagen on November 7 in Denmark
