André Onana’s last-second penalty save coupled with Harry Maguire’s headed goal gave Manchester United a difficult win in an emotional night at Old Trafford.
The game began with a touching tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton in the first home game since the legendary United and England player’s death at the age of 88.
If United had played better this season then you could perhaps chalk the poor first 45 minutes from the home side to emotion but in fact, it’s on par with many performances this season.
København could have taken the lead just five minutes in when Diogo Gonçalves had his effort rebound off the post with Sofyan Amrabat alert to block the rebound.
After that, not much else happened in the half and when the referee appeared to blow for the end of the first period about 20 seconds early it felt like mercy for the viewer.
Erik ten Hag did get more out of his team in the second half although André Onana was required to produce a fine stop to deny Lukas Lerager.
Onana’s opposite number Kamil Grabara also needed to be at his best to keep a strike from substitute Christian Eriksen out after good work from Marcus Rashford on the left.
Another substitute who made an impact was Alejandro Garnacho who had brilliant chances on either side of the opening goal which he wasn’t able to take advantage of.
There was drama right at the death when a penalty kick was awarded, perhaps dubiously, for a high boot from Scott McTominay as the midfielder tried to clear a late corner.
Step forward substitute Jordan Larsson, son of former United player Henrik Larsson whose brief time at Old Trafford did result in some key European goals.
However, the younger Larsson was denied by the outstretched arm of Onana in what was the final kick of the game to give Manchester United a very hard-earned three points.
Once again, it wasn’t a vintage performance from United but that is now three wins in a row going into this Sunday’s Manchester derby and having two maligned players in Maguire and Onana providing the big moments of the game this victory may just be a catalyst for the rest of the season.
xG: Manchester United (1.66) 1-0 (2.02) FC København
One scored, one saved.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2023
Huge contributions 🙏#MUFC || #UCL pic.twitter.com/a6jyzB1Dgw
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Harry Maguire 72' |
