Erik ten Hag praises much-maligned Harry Maguire, Andre Onana after win over Copenhagen

MANCHESTER – Harry Maguire and Andre Onana, two of Manchester United's biggest targets of fan criticism, earned a huge measure of redemption in their 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday – and praise from manager Erik ten Hag.

Maguire, whose abuse from supporters had former United star David Beckham reach out to him in support, headed home in the 72nd minute, while Onana saved a penalty in the final seconds of the match for the Red Devils’ first Champions League win of the season.

Copenhagen coach Jacob Neestrup told Viaplay: “We all know that we played a match where we allowed ourselves to get at least one point.

“We had a big chance to score in the closing seconds, so that hurts. It really hurts.”

The victory was United’s first in the Champions League since a 2-0 away win at Villarreal in Nov 2021.

Ten Hag said defender Maguire, who was also excellent in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Sheffield United, is playing much more proactively in possession.

“Stepping in passing vertical, defending also on front foot, stepping in defending forward, very confident in the duels, he is dominating, dominating his opponents,” said ten Hag.

“And then you see also a very good skill from him with his heading, great pass from Christian (Eriksen) as well but very good finish.”

Maguire, who has been the target of fan abuse in recent months, had the Old Trafford faithful on their feet when he broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, after Eriksen’s long ball into the area found the defender at the far post.

“It is amazing,” said Maguire, on the fans chanting his name.

“When you are not on your game, it gets picked up, but I am really proud and pleased how I have acted over this six to 12 months.

“I have been given an opportunity and I want to help the team and get the club back to where they should be.”

Onana, meanwhile, has been harshly criticised since arriving from Inter Milan in the transfer window. There was nothing but love for the goalkeeper on Tuesday, however, after he dived left to push away Jordan Larsson’s spot kick and was mobbed by his teammates.

“He showed personality, and he knows that before was not the level that his skills are,” said ten Hag.

“He didn’t match his skills and he could do better and I think Saturday (at Sheffield) was a very good performance and today as well.”

Onana told TNT Sports: “I’m just doing my job, the most important thing is to win against a tough team. I am happy for the victory, we did a good game and a big goal from Harry.

“We are Manchester United. We are a big club, big players. It’s just a matter of time, now we have to continue like this.

“I have no doubt we will make it.”

The victory, which began with a stirring tribute to club legend Bobby Charlton, who died on Saturday at age 86, propelled United to third in Group A on three points after three games.

While United stumbled to a horrible start to their domestic season, they have won their last three games in all competitions – perfect timing for a hot streak, ten Hag said, ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.

“There is a great spirit and they are together and that is important always as a team, the team are more than the sum of the individuals,” said ten Hag.

“That is what we have to take into the Manchester derby... to fight together and then we have a very good chance to get a result.”

Ten Hag, Charlton’s former teammate Alex Stepney, and Under-19s team captain Dan Gore followed a lone piper to the centre of the pitch where the manager laid a wreath during the moving pre-game tribute to the 1966 World Cup winner and one of England’s and United’s greatest players.

Said Eriksen: “We saw a bit of a video from the manager before the game showing a clip of what Sir Bobby Charlton meant to the club. We felt that going onto the pitch, and also walking out with the flowers.

“Just to see how big he is at this club, and how much he means for everyone, is amazing, so he has done something really big with his life.” REUTERS, AFP