Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has praised Harry Maguire and Andre Onana for their heroics after Champions League win over FC Copenhagan on Tuesday.
Man United’s former captain scored the only goal of the game on the 72nd minute, while Onana was on hand to save a late controversial penalty for the Red Devils.
Maguire has enjoyed a run of first-team football after falling out of favour, featuring in United’s last few games.
“He’s playing much more proactively in possession, stepping in, passing vertically,” said Ten Hag after the game.
“He’s defending on the front foot, defending forward, very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating in the right way with his aggression against opponents. You see he also gets rewarded. Of course, his heading is a skill… a very good finish.”
The United manager also praised Onana after his stoppage-time penalty save secured United the win. Onana, like Maguire, was under scrutiny going into the game after several high-profile blunders this season.
“[Onana] showed personality,” said Ten Hag. “He knows his levels didn’t match his skills before. He could do better. [He had] a very good performance on Saturday. Today, as well. Also, don’t forget that brilliant save just after half-time in the counter-attack. Of course, one of his skills is he’s a very good penalty-saver.”
Onana the hero 🦸
Ulreich on form 🧤
Safe hands from Sommer 🔒Some great saves tonight 👀@TurkishAirlines || #UCLsaves pic.twitter.com/aczaO9Z37k
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 24, 2023
The gaffer also reserved praise for man of the match, Christain Eriksen, who’s making a thing of coming off the bench to increase United’s intensity in the field of play.
“He was part of it definitely and our build-up got more fluid when he came in. Also, we made some adjustments in constructions and cooperations but Christian definitely plays a big part in that, his timings were good to get free and the best example was his assist for Harry Maguire’s goal.”
