Harry Maguire claims his redemption ‘was meant to be’ as under-fire defender scores winner against Copenhagen on the night Old Trafford paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton
Andre Onana saved an injury-time penalty as Manchester United secured a dramatic win on the night Old Trafford paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Onana’s save from Jordan Larsson in the dying moments of the match gave United a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen and their first Champions League points in Group A, after Harry Maguire headed Erik ten Hag’s side into the lead.
Maguire and Onana have both come under fire this season and redemption came on an evening that began with a solemn minute’s silence for club legend Charlton, who died on Saturday, and ended in scenes of delirium.
“It was meant to be,” Maguire said. ‘We were supposed to win the match. A wonderful rescue and a victory dedicated to Sir Bobby and his family.
“It’s been a tough week for us, losing someone like Sir Bobby. It has consequences for the club and the dressing room. But we are very happy that we were able to achieve the victory.’
Harry Maguire said he is ‘proud and satisfied’ with the way he has conducted himself over the past six to 12 months
The heavily criticized defender scored a crucial second-half winner against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday evening
Maguire was occasionally booed by United and England fans, but at the end the supporters sang his name.
“It’s amazing,” he added. ‘If you’re not feeling well, it will be noticed, but I’m really proud of how I’ve behaved over the last six to 12 months.
United were also grateful that goalkeeper Andre Onana was under fire after saving a late penalty in Copenhagen
Maguire’s United career appeared to be over in the summer after losing his place in Ten Hag’s team
“I’ve been given an opportunity and I want to help the team and get the club back to where it should be.”
Onana was criticized for his performances in the Champions League defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, but stepped up to save his team at the crucial moment.
Both Ten Hag and Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup said they were unaware that Alejandro Garnacho was playing the penalty spot before Larsson – the son of former United striker Henrik – stepped up to take the kick.
“I’m just doing my job,” Onana said. ‘We are Manchester United. We are a big club, big players. It’s only a matter of time, now we have to keep it up. I have no doubt we will make it.”
