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Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil praised Harry Maguire and Andre Onana after the duo's heroics in Manchester United's 1-0 win against Copenhagen in the Champions League.
The Red Devils clinched the first win of their European campaign on Tuesday (October 24). It was a lackluster performance from Erik ten Hag's men but Maguire and Onana came to the fore.
Harry Maguire put Manchester United in the lead in the 72nd minute with a superb bullet header following a brilliant cross from Christian Eriksen. However, his hard work was nearly undone by Scott McTominay in the 90+5th minute.
McTominay gave away a penalty in the dying embers and all the pressure was Onana to come to the Red Devils' rescue. The Cameroon international produced a magnificent save to deny former United striker Henrik Larsson's son Jordan in the 90+7th minute.
Ozil reacted to the duo's exploits in Ten Hag's side's vital win against the Danish outfit. The former Arsenal attacker posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Harry Maguire & Andre Onana deserve that - silencing their haters."
Maguire and Onana have received criticism throughout their spells at Manchester United. The English defender was stripped of the club's captaincy by Ten Hag in the summer and many expected him to leave.
However, he's turned things around with consistent performances at the back for United. He impressed tonight and was also man of the match in a 2-1 win against Sheffield United on Saturday (October 21).
Meanwhile, Onana arrived at Old Trafford from Inter Milan in the summer for £47.5 million. The Cameroonian goalkeeper was tasked with replacing David de Gea and had struggled to deal with the pressure.
However, his display tonight was one that ensured the Red Devils got a win on the board in the Champions League. They sit third in Group A, a point behind second-placed Galatasaray.
Harry Maguire on silencing his critics as of late with impressive performances for Manchester United
Harry Maguire had endured a poor past few months at Manchester United, littered with abuse from fans and criticism from the media. He spent much of the summer being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
However, the 30-year-old has stepped up and been one of United's standout performers so far this season. He acknowledged how the Red Devils are one of the most scrutinized clubs in the world, telling TNT Sports:
"This is Manchester United, one of, if not, the most scrutinized clubs in the world. When you're not quite on your game it gets picked up and analyzed."
Maguire admitted he was proud of the way he's conducted himself during a period of constant criticism:
"I'm really pleased and proud with the way I've acted over the last six to twelve months and I've been given an opportunity now I just want to help this team get back to where we should be."
The veteran defender has been at Manchester United for four years, joining the club from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million. He's made six appearances across competitions this season, scoring one goal, providing an assist, and helping his side keep two clean sheets.
