Manchester United secured a crucial 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, with Andre Onana pulling off a last-minute penalty save.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper was the hero as United put three points on the board. Having lost their opening two fixtures in Group A, anything but a win would not have been enough for United on Tuesday night.
United took the lead thanks to Harry Maguire’s 72nd minute header. The defender, who has been subject to lots of criticism, has started the last three games and arguably deserves the nod again in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
But it’s also important to note that United would not have won the game last night if it wasn’t for Onana’s stoppage-time penalty save.
In the 95th minute, Scott McTominay was penalised for a high boot on Mohammed Elyounoussi before the referee pointed towards the penalty spot. That was when Jordan Larsson – so of Henrik Larsson – saw his effort denied by Onana.
Footage was captured following the save of former United keeper Peter Schmeichel celebrating the memorable save.
Man Utd legend @Pschmeichel1 reacts to Andre Onana's last minute save… 🧤#UCL pic.twitter.com/q7Ng4qesmx
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2023
Footage courtesy of TNT Sports
Schmeichel was on punditry for CBS Sports and he spoke to Onana: “I think the hero tonight is Harry, he scored the goal, he gave us the victory today.”
The Cameroon international added: “For me, for the club, for the team it was important. It was an important victory for us, difficult game against a very good team. The most important thing today was to win, so I’m happy for the victory, but we have to move on.”
From one Man Utd keeper to another.@Pschmeichel1 catches up with @AndreyOnana. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NqSJdgWF80
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 24, 2023
After a rocky start to life at Old Trafford, Onana needs to use this as a confidence booster.
United take on Man City this weekend in what will be Onana’s first-ever Manchester derby.
Onana elaborated on the importance of confidence ahead of Sunday’s big game.
“Not the penalty, I think the victory will give us more confidence. When you win, you get more confident. You can save how many penalties you want, but if you don’t win the game, you don’t feel so good. We’ll be ready to face Manchester City because they’re a good team, and we’ll be ready for that.”
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