Champions League hits and misses: Harry Maguire and Andre Onana’s turning points at Manchester United
Could Onana’s penalty heroics be a turning point for United No 1?
There is no doubt that new Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana is in the spotlight after what can only be described as a shaky start to his career at Old Trafford.
The Cameroon international was expected to be the man to bring stability back to the No. 1 position at United following David de Gea’s decline in form during his last few years at the club. He joined from Inter Milan last summer in a Ā£47.2 million contract with a huge reputation.
However, it is fair to say that Onana has failed to live up to expectations at United so far, following a number of high-profile blunders in the opening two months of the season, with each costly mistake increasing the pressure on the 24-year-old . .
That is until Tuesday evening when Onana came to United’s rescue with what could prove hugely important: an injury-time penalty to preserve his side’s 1-0 lead over FC Copenhagen in a must-win match for Erik ten in Group A. Hag’s side.
But not just for United, but for the player himself, who may look back on that moment in years to come as the turning point in both United’s season and his own.
Richard Morgan
Maguire’s moment as Ten Hag highlights improvement
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Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom and Adam Bate share their assessment of Manchester United’s close 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League and whether they are in a better place when they next face champions and Man City
Although Onana has endured a tough start to his career at Manchester United, Harry Maguire’s time in the shirt was all but over before the injury crisis gave him a path back into the team. The man from England deserves credit for seizing that opportunity.
Goals can muddy the narrative for defenders, but this was about more than the winner he scored to secure Manchester United’s first points of the Champions League season. There has been a change in his game, which Erik ten Hag acknowledged afterwards.
“He plays much more proactively in possession, steps in, passes vertically, also defends on the front foot, defends forward, has a lot of confidence in the duels. I think he dominates in the right way with his aggression against opponents.”
There was an example of this just before his breakthrough goal, where he rushed forward to beat his marker to the ball and keep up the attack for his team. It provoked a positive response from the crowd at Old Trafford, and finally some positive energy for Maguire to feed off.
There is still a long way to go. His only start this season prior to this series of games against Brentford, Sheffield United and FC Copenhagen was at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Bigger tests await, starting with Manchester City on Sunday.
Adam Bate
Arsenal cannot afford to lose Jesus to injury
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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus reflects on his performances for the Gunners as he assisted in the opener and scored their second in their 2-1 win against Sevilla before being ruled out through injury.
With a superb turn and defensive pass for Arsenal’s first goal, and then a brilliant curling finish for the second, Gabriel Jesus looked like someone who was at home in the Champions League and when you look at his record you can’t be surprised .
The Brazilian scored 23 goals in 41 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition – including 14 goals in his last 17 Champions League starts – during Arsenal’s vital Champions League win in Seville and his crucial experience was on display in Spain.
Remember, this is still a young Arsenal traveling on uncharted waters. Even the stubborn stars like Bukayo Saka are playing in their first Champions League campaign, with Gabriel Martinelli even making his debut in the competition on Tuesday evening.
But what was the perfect tonic for these young attacking stars? Jesus laid it on the table for Martinelli late in the first half, before the Arsenal No 9 showed his compatriot how big moments can be enjoyed in style at this level. And that’s three goals in three Champions League group matches this season.
Gabriel Jesus gives people like Gabriel Martinelli the experience he needs
But what was the perfect tonic for these young attacking stars? Jesus put it on a plate for Martinelli late in the first half, before the Arsenal No 9 showed his compatriot how big moments can be enjoyed in style at this level. And that’s three goals in three Champions League group matches this season.
These margins are crucial and that is why the fear of Jesus’ hamstring injury is a real concern for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta put it. Jesus cannot miss another part of a Premier League title race, his experience is too valuable.
Sam Blitz
Shooters dig deep to claim victory in Seville
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts with relief on a full-time basis
In the end it was a big win for Arsenal, but my goodness it was tense at times, especially in those last few moments of the game.
Arsenal slowly came out of the blocks again, but Sevilla could not take advantage. Martinelli’s excellent finish before half-time calmed some nerves and Arsenal looked in control after Jesus’ wonder strike. That was until a set piece cost them again.
In the build-up, Arteta and midfielder Jorginho spoke about controlling their emotions in this hostile environment and the need to dig deep to pass a real test. “There were moments when we were very dominant and then we had to suffer. And that is what it takes to win a game,” the Arsenal manager said after the match.
Considering Arsenal’s record in Europe in Spain going into this match – they had lost five of their last six before this match – the win feels like a big moment for this group.
Gail Davis in Seville