It was a much-needed three points for the Reds Devils since they lost the opening two games in the group.
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Manchester United pulled off another dramatic late win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday night. It was a much-needed three points for the Reds Devils since they lost the opening two games in the group. However, this was not a straightforward affair for United. They huffed and puffed before winning the game with late drama. Man United overcame a poor first-half display to score midway through the second half from the head of Harry Maguire.
Just when it seemed like they had pocketed the three points, Copenhagen were awarded a penalty in the last minute of the match. However, Andre Onana brilliantly saved the spot-kick to secure the three points for Manchester United in the Champions League contest. After the match, manager Erik ten Hag spoke about the reason behind the team’s struggle to find proper balance. “Every time we have to change at the back. If you look back to last year, we had a very good back four, so consistent with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro in front,” the manager, quoted by the club’s website, told in his post-match media duties.
He added: “All the time, we controlled the game by possession. And Eriksen, when we have a lot of possession, can make the difference. But this season, every time we have adjustments at the back and the routines go away, the midfield opens up and we struggle to get the right balance. We have seen games this season when we didn’t have good possession with Christian, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the midfield, and we lose the control in the midfield. So it’s about balance and I’m sure when we get the routines back, especially in the back four, and it’s consistent, that gives them the foundation to play on.”
Christian Eriksen who came on as the half-time substitute changed the course of the match in United’s favour with his impressive passing range. It was Eriksen who provided the cross for Maguire’s winning goal. Speaking about the midfielder, ten Hag said, “Christian is always positive and, as you see, he brings football. We didn’t have the football in the first half – it was difficult. Copenhagen are well organised, so you have the break them and find the right moment to make the double six, the timings, and Christian is good at that. He’s composed and makes the right passes. He has intelligence and then his decision-making on the ball is often very good, not only the goal but also his passing distribution is so good.”
The Manchester United manager also spoke about how criticism is part of life at Manchester United. “Absolutely, it’s normal. Playing at Manchester United, we have to win. When the team is not winning, everyone is criticised and some players get more criticism than others, especially Harry and Andre. It was, more or less, over the top but this gets confidence for both of them and will help the team to make the next step,” he added.
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