The scapegoats suddenly became the heroes. Defender Harry Maguire – otherwise ridiculed as a clumsy oaf – and goalkeeper André Onana – often a risk factor instead of support – were once again the focus of attention at Manchester United. This time, however, positive.
The laborious 1-0 (0-0) over the clear outsiders FC Copenhagen not only brought the traditional English football club important points in the fight for the Champions League round of 16 – but also the sporting resurrection of a duo that has been heavily criticized.
Coach Erik ten Hag said: “At Manchester United we have to win. If we don’t succeed, everyone will be criticized and some even more so. In this case especially Harry and André. That was a little exaggerated, but this evening will give them self-confidence and Help the team take the next step.”
Maguire’s winning goal, whose line-up national coach Gareth Southgate has to justify again and again, was one story at Old Trafford, but Onana was even more celebrated. The 27-year-old from Cameroon saved a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
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