Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight.
The Reds needed a win after losing their first two matches in the Champions League. Now, they can start their uphill climb to reach to knockout phase of the competition, but there’s more work to be done.
A poor first-half saw Erik ten Hag make a change at the break. Christian Eriksen replaced Sofyan Amrabat and the game opened up as a result.
But it took a header from Harry Maguire to seal United’s first win in Europe this season.
Here are three observations from the game:
Too slow from the start
It took United until half-time to move up the gears. We seem to start games far too patiently, with nowhere near enough intensity or movement in the final third. Ten Hag needs to find a way to help this team provide Rasmus Hojlund with more service. The young Dane was brilliant again tonight.
Redemption story continues for Maguire
Maguire has started United’s last three games and in all three, the England international has performed superbly. He has to use that as a springboard going into the Manchester derby. The centre-back registered a match-winning assist against Brentford before the international break, but tonight’s goal was the icing on the cake. Maguire is showing great character to bounce back.
Onana saves United
Copenhagen were awarded a penalty after a high boot from McTominay. That was when United’s hopes of Champions League fate hung on Andre Onana’s shoulders and he came up clutch when he saved the spot-kick. It was fantastic to see his United teammates surround him with hugs in celebration. After a rocky start at United, I hope this was Onana’s turning point and he pulled off another terrific save earlier in the second half.
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