Man United’s first Champions League win ‘narrow escape’

Erik ten Hag branded Manchester United’s 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen as a “narrow escape” after André Onana’s stoppage time penalty save earned a first Champions League victory — and the group’s first factors in Europe — of the season.

United obtained off the mark in Group A due to a second-half header from Harry Maguire and Onana’s late heroics on an evening throughout which followers paid their respects to Sir Bobby Charlton, who died aged 86 on Saturday.

Ten Hag was celebrating after the ultimate whistle as his group recorded a 3rd straight win in all competitions, however the Dutchman admitted afterwards there was a component of fortune concerned.

“The first half was not good,” stated Ten Hag. “The second half was better and we created more chances and finally the win was justified, but it was a narrow escape.”

Onana has been closely criticised since his summer time transfer from Inter Milan, making pricey errors in United’s opening Champions League defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

But the Cameroon goalkeeper produced an exquisite save to cease Jordan Larsson’s penalty, conceded by Scott McTominay within the fifth minute of harm time, with the final motion of the evening.

“He showed personality,” stated Ten Hag. “He knows that before, the levels of what his skills are, he didn’t match his skills and he could do better.

“I feel Saturday [against Sheffield United] was an excellent efficiency, at this time as nicely. Also, remember that good save simply after half-time within the counter-attack.”

As well as Onana, Ten Hag was also grateful for another unlikely hero in Maguire — another target of United supporter angst — who scored his first goal for the club since February, 2022.

“Stepping in passing vertical, defending additionally on entrance foot, stepping in defending ahead, very assured within the duels, he’s dominating, dominating his opponents,” Ten Hag said.

“You see he will get rewarded, it is an excellent talent from him, his heading. I’ve to say a fantastic cross from Christian [Eriksen] as nicely and an excellent end.”

Next up for Ten Hag’s aspect is a Manchester derby with crosstown rivals City on Sunday as United tries to maintain their good run of kind on monitor.