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Manchester United icons Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand hailed Andre Onana after his 97th-minute penalty save helped the Red Devils secure a 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
Onana has had a tough start to his Old Trafford tenure since making a big-money move this summer from Inter Milan. The 27-year-old has made several high-profile errors, looked shaky in his distribution, and has conceded 20 goals in 13 appearances, keeping just four clean sheets to date.
However, the Cameroon international proved to be the hero of the night in last night's UEFA Champions League home clash.
Harry Maguire gave Manchester United the lead in the 72nd minute. Copenhagen received a penalty in the 95th minute after Scott McTominay did a high-boot foul inside the box. Fortunately, Onana pulled off an outstanding save, denying Jordan Larsson from the spot.
Onana had an exceptional game, making four saves and five recoveries. Both Scholes and Ferdinand believed that his penalty save could kickstart his United career. The latter said (via United in Focus):
“This could change his season and I hope it does confidence-wise. I hope he grows now. This is massive for him getting confidence now and he can go from strength to strength. All players need that and I’d like to think this is the one."
Scholes added:
“He became a hero. It will do him the world of good.”
The Red Devils are now third in Group A in the Champions League with three points from as many games, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praises Harry Maguire after Copenhagen win
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hailed Harry Maguire after his 72nd-minute header secured a vital 1-0 against Copenhagen on Tuesday. The Red Devils' win meant that their hopes of advancing to the UCL knockout stages remained intact.
Despite losing his place in the Manchester United starting XI under Ten Hag last season, Maguire has rebounded in style in the current campaign. He has looked impressive in recent weeks, making six appearances in total and registering two goal contributions.
Ten Hag said (via Manchester United's official website):
“I think so, he is playing more proactive in possession. Stepping in, passing vertical, defending on the front foot and also stepping in, passing vertical. Defending on the front foot, he is also stepping in and playing forward. Very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating."
He added:
“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.”
Maguire had a dominant game against Copenhagen with a pass accuracy of 87 percent. He also made one clearance, made three recoveries, and won five duels.
