Man Utd 1-0 Kobenhavn: Player ratings as stoppage-time Onana penalty save earns crucial win for Red Devils
Manchester United squeezed past a resilient Kobenhavn side in the Champions League on Tuesday night, winning 1-0 thanks to a Harry Maguire header in the second half and a desperately late Andre Onana penalty save.
There were emotional scenes prior to kick-off as tributes were paid to Sir Bobby Charlton after he passed away last Saturday. Erik ten Hag laid a wreath on the centre circle as the Old Trafford crowd stood to applaud and honour a club legend who dedicated his life to Man Utd.
On the pitch, it was an uninspiring first half in Manchester. Kobenhavn produced the best openings, testing Onana from distance and striking the post with a volley — all within the opening five minutes. It was evident that Man Utd were feeling the nerves, failing to test the Danish side's backline in any meaningful way as the opening 45 minutes finished goalless.
Man Utd improved in the second half, taking the lead through Harry Maguire's powerful header after Christian Eriksen's cross. But United needed the much-maligned Onana to make a 97th-minute penalty save to give the hosts a hard-fought victory in an astounding finish.
Kobenhavn have already proved tricky opponents in the Champions League this season and they made a bright start at Old Trafford. Elias Achouri's long-range effort was pushed wide for a corner by Andre Onana before Diogo Goncalves' cushioned volley struck the base of the Cameroonian's post several minutes later.
Man Utd started to control proceedings after a shaky opening 15 minutes, with speculative efforts from Rasmus Hojlund, formerly of Kobenhavn, and Marcus Rashford not doing enough to cause ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Kamil Grabara any problems.
A first half lacking in quality petered out with so few mentionable moments
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