Erik ten Hag confirmed Manchester United coach Steve McClaren hollered an instruction at Andre Onana prior to his 97th-minute penalty save against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
The penalty stop meant Manchester United won the game 1-0, thanks to a Harry Maguire header and Christian Eriksen assist.
Jordan Larsson, son of former Manchester United loanee striker Henrik, stood up to take the penalty but was denied by Onana.
United coach McClaren came out of the dugout and to the edge of the technical area to communicate with Onana.
“It’s his job to give him advice, to coach, [an] instruction,” Ten Hag said, as per the Manchester Evening News. “And then, of course, Andre has to decide but he gives his some instruction.
“He (Onana) showed personality and he knows that before, the levels of what his skills are, he didn’t match his skills and he could do better.
“I think Saturday (against Sheffield United) was a very good performance, today as well. Also, don’t forget that brilliant save just after half-time in the counter-attack. But don’t forget, one of his skills is he’s a very good penalty saver.
“You see this is a very good spirit in the dressing room, they are together, they fight together and they celebrate together. If we have setbacks, they support each other. That spirit is always needed to be a successful team.”
The Cameroon international has struggled for form since his move from Inter Milan in the summer, but he made himself a hero at Old Trafford last night.
It was United’s first win in the Champions League this season, and it keeps our hopes alive for qualification to the knockout phase.
Next up in the Champions League is a trip to Copenhagen.
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