Man United’s Onana Penalty Save secures Champions League First Win after 2 consecutive losses ‘narrow escape’ said Manager Ten Hag:
Manchester United secured their first Champions League victory of the season with a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen, but manager Erik ten Hag admitted it was a “narrow escape” after André Onana saved a stoppage-time penalty.
Harry Maguire scored the winning goal in the second half, heading home a Christian Eriksen cross at the back post. However, United were under pressure for much of the match and were fortunate not to concede more goals.
Onana, who has been heavily criticised since his summer move from Inter Milan, produced a number of good saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Mohamed Elyounoussi just after half-time.
But his most important contribution came in the dying moments of the match, when he saved Jordan Larsson’s penalty after Scott McTominay had been penalised for a high foot on Elyounoussi.
Ten Hag was relieved to get the win, but he admitted that United had ridden their luck.
“It was a narrow escape,” he said. “The first half was not good. We were second to the ball and we didn’t create any chances. But we improved in the second half and we deserved the win.
“I’m especially pleased with Andre Onana. He’s had a difficult start to his time at United, but he showed great character tonight. His penalty save was crucial. he made a massive save “
Onana’s redemption
Onana has been under intense pressure since his arrival at United, with many fans and pundits questioning his ability. He made costly mistakes in United’s opening Champions League defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
But his performance against Copenhagen was a sign of his potential. He made a number of good saves throughout the match, and his penalty save in the dying moments was simply outstanding.
“I’m really happy with my performance,” Onana said. “I knew that I had to make amends for the mistakes I’ve made in the past. I’m glad that I was able to do that tonight.
” I was a nice goal from Harry, we have a good team, we have to continue like that i am sure we will make it “
Maguire’s resurgence
Another player who has had a difficult time at United in recent years is Harry Maguire. The England captain has been heavily criticised for his performances, and he was even dropped from the starting line-up earlier this season.
However, Maguire has been in good form in recent weeks, and his goal against Copenhagen was a further sign of his resurgence.
“I’m really happy with Harry’s goal,” Ten Hag said. “It was a great header from him. He’s been playing well recently, and I’m pleased to see him getting rewarded for his hard work.”
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