Oh, how the tides can turn – Harry Maguire and Andre Onana earned plaudits and a huge measure of redemption in their squad’s 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday. Both Manchester United’s biggest targets of fan criticism even earned praise from manager Erik ten Hag.
Maguire’s abuse from supporters even resulted in former United great David Beckham reaching out to console him. The former captain headed home in the 72nd minute in their Champions League outing against FC Copenhagen, while Onana helped their side avoid a draw when he saved a penalty in the final seconds of the match for United’s first Champions League win of the season.
Ten Hag had also been full of praise for defender Maguire’s excellent play in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Sheffield United, lauding him for playing much more proactively in possession.
“Stepping in passing vertical, defending also on front foot, stepping in defending forward, very confident in the duels, he is dominating, dominating his opponents,” Ten Hag said.
“And then you see also a very good skill from him with his heading, great pass from Christian (Eriksen) as well but very good finish.”
Onana, too, has been at the receiving end of a barrage of heavy criticism since hailing from Inter Milan in the transfer window. However the criticism was replaced by warm acclaim for the goalkeeper on Tuesday after he made a well-anticipated dive left to deflect Jordan Larsson’s spot kick.
“He showed personality, and he knows that before was not the levels that his skills are, he didn’t match his skills and he could do better and I think Saturday (at Sheffield) was a very good performance and today as well,” Ten Hag told reporters.
While United stumbled to a horrible start to their domestic season, they have won their last three games in all competitions – perfect timing for a hot streak, Ten Hag said, ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.