Ten Hag hails Man United ‘fighting spirit’ against Copenhagen

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised his team for putting up a brilliant performance that saw Andre Onana save a stoppage-time penalty to hand the Red Devils a 1-0 victory over Copenhagen in a Champions League Group A fixture at Old Trafford.

Man United kicked off the Group A Champions League campaign with two defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. Still, the Red Devils avoided another slip-up against the Danish champions in Tuesday’s encounter.

Onana was guilty of poor performances in both of those Champions League losses but helped make amends in a brilliant first home game since the death of 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.

Onana’s save sparked celebrations at Old Trafford, where he was mobbed by teammates before United’s players poured onto the pitch.

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“You see there is a very good spirit in the dressing room,” said Ten Hag in his post-match conference.

“They are together, they fight together and they celebrate together.

“If we have setbacks, they support each other. I think that spirit is always needed to be a successful team.”

The former Ajax manager also praised Onana who joined United from Inter Milan in the summer window for his brave personality and brilliant save that earned the home side a narrow win.

“Onana showed personality and he knows that before was not the levels what his skills are,” Ten Hag said

“I think Saturday (against Sheffield United) was a very good performance and today.

“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.”
Ten Hag also urged the Cameroonian goalkeeper to improve his skills in upcoming matches.

“He didn’t match his skills, and he could do better.”