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Andre Onana became the most unlikely hero for Manchester United by saving a last-gasp penalty from Copenhagen’s Jordan Larsson and salvaging a 1-0 win and three golden Champions League points.
The Cameroonian’s act of heroism came after another much-maligned figure in Harry Maguire had stepped up to the plate and given United the lead, despite yet another turgid performance from Erik ten Hag’s side.
Maguire’s crashing header sent Old Trafford wild after the stadium had paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before kick-off. United were unable to give a performance that Charlton would have been proud of, but it turned out to be a night that could map out the revival of two oft-criticised figures.
Onana had made a couple of good saves before his stunning stop to deny Larsson – the son of former United striker Henrik – from the spot with what proved to be the final kick off the game.
The save could prove to be the difference between United falling short in the Champions League or progressing to the knockouts as Ten Hag’s side now have three points and are just one behind second-placed Galatasaray.
GOAL rates Manchester United’s players from a relieved Old Trafford…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (9/10):
Made a couple of decent saves and kept a much-needed clean sheet but still managed to look shaky and his kicking was poor. Then produced the best save of his United career to save two points.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
A couple of promising attacking moves and defended reasonably well.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
Had a shaky start and looked clunky but came alive after the break, his goal preceded by some welcome moments of aggression.
Raphael Varane (8/10):
Gave an outstanding performance with and without the ball. Held everything together at the back.
Sergio Reguilon (6/10):
Hit and miss. Tried to create some counter-attacks but couldn’t land the passes.
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Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat (5/10):
Moved the ball around slowly and sloppily. Tackled himself at one point. Removed at half-time.
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Not much of a presence in midfield and couldn’t get forward enough. Made a rash challenge to give away the penalty, even if it was a little harsh.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Played some important through-balls from deep but also got intercepted far too often.
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Attack
Antony (5/10):
Showed some glimmers of exciting play and the odd burst of pace but mostly looked disconnected. Dribbled past one player and straight into the touchline.
Rasmus Hojlund (7/10):
The only attacker to show some urgency and create a hint of danger.
Marcus Rashford (4/10):
His head does just not seem in the right place. Shanked a shot over the bar, overran the ball when clean through and had a poor first touch.
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Subs & Manager
Christian Eriksen (6/10):
A big improvement on Amrabat, threading midfield and attack together, and was actually capable of delivering through-balls. Fine cross created Maguire’s goal.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Exciting on the break but lacked a finishing touch.
Victor Lindelof (7/10):
Made lots of timely challenges and interceptions to see the win out.
Anthony Martial (N/A):
Only came on in the 86th minute.
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
His changes helped win the game, but once more it was a turgid overall display and he is responsible for that.
