Ten Hag praises Man Utd duo after Champions League heroics

Two under-fire Man Utd players stepped up to the plate in a big way on Tuesday to seal the club’s first points in the Champions League this season.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.

The pair have not had an easy season, having come under regular scrutiny. Yet, they put their issues aside to play pivotal roles in the team’s 1-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Maguire scored the winning goal by heading in Christian Eriken’s cross in the 72nd minute. It was the defender’s first goal since February 2022.

“He’s defending on the front foot, defending forward, very confident in the duels,” Ten Hag said of Maguire’s performance at Old Trafford.

“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.”

‘Onana showed personality’

Onana, on the other hand, has endured an error-laden start to his United career. The goalkeeper, though, made a crucial save in the Copenhagen game. He brilliantly denied Lukas Lerager by saving the midfielder’s penalty kick.

“[Onana] showed personality,” said Ten Hag. “He knows his levels didn’t match his skills before. He could do better.

“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.”

The win has moved United into third place in Group A, with three points in three games. Galatasaray sit one point ahead in second. Bayern Munich are a further five points at the top of the table.

Ten Hag’s side will now turn their focus onto Sunday’s derby against Manchester City in the Premier League.