Manchester United defender Harry Maguire produced his best performance of the campaign during the club’s 1-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League group stage last night.

The Red Devils went into the game on the back of successive Premier League wins, but they struggled to dominate the proceedings against the Danish champions in the opening half.

Following the break, it was another evenly-matched contest, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute. Maguire headed home the winner from a Christian Eriksen cross.

It was the Englishman’s first goal of the season and his eighth in the club’s colours. United still had a nervy finish. Andre Onana secured the points right at the end with a fantastic penalty save.

Aside from his goal, Maguire had 89 touches with 72 accurate passes. He won five ground and aerial duels, blocking two shots. The former captain was assured at the back after the break.

The fans were undoubtedly delighted with the showing from the centre-back, who has had a difficult time at the club over the past 15 months. The defender was tipped to leave United last summer.

With the victory yesterday, the Red Devils are now on three points after three matchdays. They are only one point behind second-placed Galatasaray at the halfway stage of the group stage campaign.

The club have their Champions League destiny in their own hands. Wins in the next three outings would see them qualify for the last 16. They will, however, need to step up with their performances.

United need to refocus quickly as they are scheduled to host arch-rivals and league champions Manchester City in the much-awaited derby at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.