Erik ten Hag heaps praise on United goalkeeper Andre Onana after penalty heroics
Andre Onana made a crucial penalty save (Martin Rickett/PA)
Erik ten Hag praised goalkeeper Andre Onana for putting a difficult start to life at Manchester United behind him and saving the day in a narrow Champions League escape against Copenhagen.
Having kicked off Group A with defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, the Red Devils could ill-afford any slip-up against the Danish champions in Tuesday’s Old Trafford encounter.
Onana was guilty of poor performances in both of those Champions League losses but helped make amends in a brilliant conclusion to an emotional first home game since the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
The United keeper saved Jordan Larsson’s stoppage-time penalty with what proved to be the last touch of the match, ensuring Harry Maguire’s second-half header sealed a crucial 1-0 win.
“He showed personality and he knows that before was not the levels what his skills are,” manager Ten Hag said of the summer signing from Inter Milan. “He didn’t match his skills and he could do better.
“I think Saturday (against Sheffield United) was a very good performance and today as well.
“Also, don’t forget that brilliant save just after half-time in the counter-attack.
“But, of course, that is one of his skills, he is a very good penalty saver.”
Onana’s save sparked wild celebrations at a rocking Old Trafford, where he was mobbed by team-mates before United’s substitutes poured onto the pitch.
Andre Onana is mobbed by team-mates following his last-gasp save (Nick Potts/PA)
“You see there is a very good spirit in the dressing room,” said Ten Hag, who claimed not to have seen Alejandro Garnacho scuffing the penalty spot.
“They are together, they fight together and they celebrate together.
“If we have setbacks, they
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