HARRY MAGUIRE and Andre Onana were the heroes as Manchester United finally got their Champions League campaign up and running.
Erik ten Hag’s side suffered defeat in their group opener at Bayern Munich last month and then lost 3-2 at home to Galatasaray last time out.
GettyHarry Maguire celebrates after breaking the deadlock against Copenhagen[/caption]
GettyAndre Onana saved Jordan Larsson’s penalty right at the death to win it[/caption]
That made tonight’s showdown with FC Copenhagen a must-win and, despite being frustrated for long spells, the Red Devils managed to secure a 1-0 victory thanks to Maguire.
The defender powered home from Christian Eriksen’s cross on 72 minutes to cap a great display from the England international centre-half.
But goalkeeper Onana, who has dropped several blunders since his arrival from Inter Milan, was the one who came to their rescue at the death.
After Scott McTominay had given away a penalty in additional time, the Cameroon stopper saved Jordan Larsson’s spot-kick to secure their first Champions League points of the season.
Here’s how the rest of Ten Hag’s United team performed on a memorable night at Old Trafford:
Andre Onana – 8
Silenced his critics with a stunning penalty save in the final moment of the match.
He also denied Lukas Lerager with a stunning lunge to his right.
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Diogo Dalot – 7
A composed performance by the full-back, who was especially dangerous when moving forward.
Dalot’s wondergoal against Sheffield United really boosted his confidence and it showed at Old Trafford.
Raphael Varane – 7
He inspired confidence from the first minute alongside Harry Maguire.
Got the better of his one-on-ones and was rock-solid throughout.
Harry Maguire – 8
The former Man Utd captain honoured his club’s most famous skipper Sir Bobby Charlton with his best performance in months.
And after some brutal criticism, Maguire sealed United’s first Champions League victory with a stunning defensive display and clinical header.
Sergio Reguilon – 6
He only returned from injury and showed promising signs for the difficult matches ahead.
However, he did also show signs of nerves throughout the game.
Sofyan Amrabat – 6
Returned to his natural position after stints at left-back amid Man Utd’s injury crisis. But he couldn’t really shine next to Scott McTominay and United really improved after Christian Eriksen’s introduction.
Scott McTominay – 6
A strong performance from the in-form Scot, but he improved after Eriksen came on. McTominay would have received a higher grade if he hadn’t given away that penalty by carelessly fouling Mohamed Elyounoussi with a high foot at the death.
Antony – 5
The Brazilian didn’t show any product in his runs or dribbling once more.
United manager Ten Hag made the right call as he took him off early in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Another solid performance by the United captain.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Should have opened the scoring when he was set up in front of Grabara only for a heavy touch to ruin his run.
Was inconsistent down the left.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
A strong performance against his former club and could have bagged a goal.
Hojlund also produced some brilliant balls for his team-mates that led to some real goalscoring opportunities.
Subs:
Christian Eriksen – 7
The Dane revived United after his introduction at the beginning of second half.
United dominated in midfield and he came close with a stunning shot that forced an equally brilliant save by Grabara.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had the chance to open the scoring soon after his introduction following a brilliant ball by Fernandes but got a heavy touch that denied him his big moment.
A decent performance that lacked end product.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Victor Lindelof followed in his fellow centre-backs’ example with a solid performance of his own.
One of the few times in which all of United’s central defenders excel.
Anthony Martial – N/A
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