Erik Ten Hag said FC Copenhagen should not have had a penalty in Man Utd’s 1-0 Champions League win but praised an “incredible” night for the club following Andre Onana’s late save.
His side finally earned the first win of their Champions League campaign at the third time of asking through Harry Maguire’s header, but could have been denied had Jordan Larsson netted a last-gasp spot-kick at Old Trafford.
The penalty was awarded for a high boot from Scott McTominay following a Copenhagen corner – but speaking after the game, Ten Hag thought United’s path to victory should not have needed his goalkeeper’s intervention.
“It is incredible, a great night, especially in the last dying seconds we concede a penalty, which should not happen,” he told TNT Sport. “But then it was a brilliant save from Andre [Onana].
Soccer Special’s Tim Sherwood reacts to Harry Maguire’s opener for Manchester United in their Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen
“Slowly we have found our form this season and Harry Maguire played a very good game again and Andre as well had a very brilliant save just after half-time, which was very important.
“We conceded such a soft penalty and I think we should have had a penalty on Rashford, I do not know why that is not a penalty.
“But we dealt with it and that is a step up from a few weeks ago when we got out of rhythm when we had some setbacks from refereeing decisions.
“But now we stayed calm after a poor first half and in the second half, we stepped up and all over, we created more chances than them.
“And finally, the win is justified, but it was a narrow escape in the end.”
Ten Hag praises Maguire, Onana and Eriksen
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Ten Hag elaborated on the performances of the key men in Manchester United’s dramatic victory.
He praised Maguire’s contribution.
“He is playing much more proactive in possession, stepping in, passing vertically, defending also on the front foot, defending forward, very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating in the right way with his aggression against opponents.”
Onana, another much-maligned figure, also earned the plaudits from his manager.
“He has shown personality, he knows the levels, he has shown before what his skills are. He did not match his skills but I think Saturday was a very good performance and today as well. Also don’t forget his save after half-time on the counter-attack. And one of his skills is that he is a very good penalty saver.”
There was a word too for Christian Eriksen, whose introduction at the interval helped to turn the game in United’s favour.
“He was part of it definitely and our build-up got more fluid when he came in,” said Ten Hag. “Also, we made some adjustments in constructions and cooperations but Christian definitely plays a big part in that, his timings were good to get free and the best example was his assist for Harry Maguire’s goal.”
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All of which ensures United go into the Manchester derby on Sunday in good spirits, a together they will surely need against the Premier League champions.
“You see it,” added Ten Hag. “There is a very good spirit in the dressing room, they fight together, celebrate together and support each other. That spirit is always needed to be a successful team.
“They are together and that is important because the team is more than the sum of the individuals. That is what we have to take into the Manchester derby. To be on one page and stay together.”
