Man United are back in the mix to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League as Andre Onana saved Jordan Larsson’s late penalty.
It was a special night at Old Trafford for Manchester United – but not just because of what transpired on the pitch.
The moving scenes before kick-off as players, fans, and coaches honoured the memory of Sir Bobby Charlton seemingly set the stage for a memorable occasion against Copenhagen. Instead, Erik ten Hag’s men struggled to impose themselves, and the 0-0 scoreline after 72 minutes could have been worse had away striker Cupido Goncalves not hit the woodwork, while Lukas Lerager was brilliantly denied by Andre Onana.
But cometh the moment, cometh Harry Maguire. With time running out, he got on the end of a sublime cross from Christian Eriksen to head high into the net and keep the Red Devils alive in the race to qualify for the knockout stages, with Onana then superbly saving Jordan Larsson’s last gasp penalty to win it.
It was Christian Eriksen who arguably turned matters by coming on to create the winning goal. However, it was the man who scored it will rightfully take the headlines.
Having been pillared by pundits and fans alike this season, Maguire was adjudged player of the match in the win at Bramall Lane on Saturday night. And he followed that up with a goal that could prove pivotal to United’s hopes of progression in Europe.
Maguire has had a lot to say about his critics, as has his mother and England manager, but to respond in this manner is testament to his strength of character. The goal was followed by an excruciating VAR check which proved the centre back to be onside by millimetres. If anyone deserved a break, it was him.
Andre Onana became the most unlikely hero for Manchester United by saving a last-gasp penalty from Copenhagen’s Jordan Larsson and salvaging a 1-0 win and three golden Champions League points.
The Cameroonian’s act of heroism came after another much-maligned figure in Harry Maguire had stepped up to the plate and given United the lead, despite yet another turgid performance from Erik ten Hag’s side.
Onana had made a couple of good saves before his stunning stop to deny Larsson – the son of former United striker Henrik – from the spot with what proved to be the final kick off the game.
The save could prove to be the difference between United falling short in the Champions League or progressing to the knockouts as Ten Hag’s side now have three points and are just one behind second-placed Galatasaray.