Sir Alex Ferguson said after Manchester United beat Bayern Munich to famously win the treble in 1999, “football, bloody hell”. That phrase aptly describes another wild night at Old Trafford.
United defeated Copenhagen by one goal to nil, securing their first victory in this year’s UEFA Champions League.
Most games this season have seen the team struggling to find the initial breakthrough. However, Harry Maguire rose to the occasion, directing a sublime cross from Christian Eriksen into the net in the 72nd minute.
But the drama didn’t end there. In the closing moments, Scott McTominay unwisely conceded a penalty. Andre Onana, our new primary goalkeeper, stepped up and thwarted the shot, ensuring a pivotal win for United. Given his challenges this season, this will undoubtedly bolster his morale.
Now, let’s dissect the performances of the manager and the players in this match.
Andre Onana – 10/10
An exemplary display by Onana. He earns a full score for essentially rescuing the team from another Champions League disappointment.
Sergio Reguilon – 7/10
After a month-long absence, the Spaniard was back in the starting XI, and he did not disappoint. His zest on the left was refreshing, especially after Victor Lindelof’s recent tepid performances in that role.
Harry Maguire – 10/10
Maguire’s presence since his debut against Brentford has been the club’s silver lining. His pinpoint header provided the decisive goal, and his commanding aerial presence, combined with his keen forward passes, sustained our offensive tempo. It’s heartening to see Maguire rebounding from the recent adversity he’s faced.
Raphael Varane – 9/10
Varane, a five-time Champions League victor, re-entered the squad after an injury layoff and delivered a top-tier performance. The French defender expertly managed threats and advanced the ball effectively.
Diogo Dalot – 8/10
Dalot further established himself as one of United’s most reliable assets this season. Defensively solid, he had a minor positional lapse late in the second half. His offensive contributions, particularly in supporting Antony on the right, were commendable.
