Published on 25.10.2023
When questioned about players who seem to be underperforming at Old Trafford, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag often simplifies his expectations with a single demand: “They need to step up.”
In a pivotal Champions League match against Copenhagen, United was not only honoring one of their greatest players, but their manager had also expressed that “victory is our only option.” This presented the perfect stage for two of the team’s most scrutinized players to rise to the occasion.
Both Harry Maguire and Andre Onana had faced heavy criticism in recent times. Maguire lost the captaincy during the summer and even had a transfer bid from West Ham United accepted. Although the 30-year-old defender chose to stay at Old Trafford, he had slipped to being the fifth-choice central defender, even behind left-back Luke Shaw, leaving many questioning the rationale behind this decision.
💬 "A big moment for myself but more importantly, a big moment for the team."
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2023
Well said, @HarryMaguire93 👇#MUFC || #UCL
The first half of the match witnessed some uncertain moments from Maguire, casting doubts on the possibility of his revival as a player. Moreover, questions had arisen about why Erik ten Hag paid £47 million to bring Andre Onana from Inter Milan.
Onana’s perceived strength was his distribution, yet his abilities in this regard were not particularly evident against Copenhagen. Notably, two of his diagonal passes in the first half ended up going out of play.
However, in the 72nd minute, Maguire displayed his presence as he met Christian Eriksen’s superbly placed curling cross, heading it into the far post.
With the game’s final action deep into added time, Onana played a crucial role, making a crucial save to block Jordan Larsson’s penalty. This save secured Manchester United’s first victory in the European campaign and kept their hopes of advancing to the Champions League last 16 alive.
