David de Gea has responded to reports claiming he has been offered a sensational return to Manchester United with a cryptic social media post.
De Gea, 32, is still a free agent after leaving the Red Devils in the summer after 12 years of service. The Spaniard clocked up 535 appearances during that time and was a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford prior to his departure.
After months of speculation, it was eventually agreed between United and De Gea that he would leave the club upon the expiration of his contract back in July. His replacement, Andre Onana, has failed to convince so far, though – and it now seems as though De Gea could be offered an unlikely olive branch by the same club who gave him the boot.
According to The Sun, United are hopeful that De Gea will agree to return on a short-term basis to provide cover in the New Year, where it’s expected Onana will head off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon. That would lead Erik ten Hag with just Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton as goalkeeping options.
While it remains to be seen if De Gea would be open to a return, the veteran shot-stopper fuelled speculation amongst fans on social media by posting a thinking emoji on Thursday afternoon. The post – coupled with the fact that De Gea has met up with several of his former teammates in Manchester over the past couple of weeks – has sent fans into a frenzy.
De Gea has been linked with plenty of clubs in recent months, including several from the Saudi Pro League. He was also touted as a target for German giants Bayern Munich earlier in the summer.
While Manchester United are likely to keep faith with Onana in the wake of his underwhelming start to life at Old Trafford, his decision to reintegrate himself into the Cameroon national team is understood to have taken the club by surprise.
After a dispute with manager Alex Song at the World Cup, Onana’s international career was seemingly over. However, he could miss up to eight matches if, as expected, he is selected for the Africa Cup of Nations after returning for his country last month.
For all the mistakes Onana has made since joining United, he did redeem himself in midweek, when his vital last-gasp penalty save secured a crucial 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen to keep United’s Champions League campaign alive.
Also…
Man Utd news LIVE: David de Gea’s comeback plan, Andre Onana reacts, Erik ten Hag’s injury boost
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Sunday – as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City make the short journey to Old Trafford for the derby
KEY EVENTS
Man Utd v Copenhagen talking points22:47
FT: United 1-0 Copenhagen22:01
Sir Bobby Charlton tributes20:34
Man Utd v Copenhagen XI:
Manchester United fans were left stunned on Wednesday after hearing about Erik ten Hag’s plan to bring back David de Gea.
The Spanish goalkeeper, 32, could re-join the Premier League side on a short-term deal to cover for Andre Onana, who is expected to be part of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. De Gea hasn’t found another club since leaving Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is closing in on a £1.4billion deal to buy a 25 percent stake in United – handing him control of football operations. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest news form Old Trafford…
Man Utd receive injury boost as forgotten star finally trains for first time this season
Andre Onana responds to David De Gea message as Rio Ferdinand reconsiders stance
Man Utd consider shock David de Gea return after Andre Onana performed U-turn
Hojlund’s honest admission
Rasmus Hojlund has stressed that he is still finding his feet at Manchester United following his £72million summer transfer.
Hojlund, 20, became the Red Devils’ marquee summer capture from Atalanta in the transfer window after being identified as a top target by Erik ten Hag. However, the Denmark international has endured a mixed start to life at Old Trafford.
The striker has plundered three goals in as many games in Europe but has yet to break his duck in the Premier League, where he has failed to register a goal or an assist in six games so far. But Hojlund is adamant that his best is yet to come as he continues to adapt to life at a new club in a new country.
“In the end, I am only 20 years old and I am not the finished article yet,“ Hojlund said after the Copenhagen match. “I still have a lot to improve and I am getting there slowly. It (his start) has been alright. I’ve tried my best every time I play, and I still need to find the rhythm.“
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney suffered defeat in his first home games as Birmingham City boss.
Rooney replaced John Eustace at Birmingham earlier this month and lost his debut match against Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough at the weekend. And Birmingham have now suffered a second consecutive defeat after Hull City beat them 2-0 at St Andrew’s thanks to goals from Liam Delap and Jaden Philogene.
21:30Samuel Meade
Garnacho’s devious move
Alejandro Garnacho did all he could to aid Andre Onana’s penalty saving efforts as Manchester United secured three points for the first time in this season’s Champions League.
Copenhagen had the chance to thwart them late on at Old Trafford when they were awarded a spot kick four minutes into injury time. The Dane’s would’ve left Old Trafford with a point had Onana not produced a big save late on, but that was only after Garnacho made every effort to scuff up the penalty spot.
Whilst the players remonstrated with the referee the young Argentina wandered up to the spot and repeatedly dug his boots into the ground, attempting to make Jordan Larsson’s job that much harder – and so it proved.
Alejandro Garnacho was spotted scuffing up the penalty spot(TNT Sports)
21:01Nathan Ridley
Scholes backs Ten Hag
Paul Scholes has urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to stick with Erik ten Hag when he arrives at Manchester United.
INEOS founder and chief executive Ratcliffe is on course to seal a £1.4billon deal with the Glazers which will see him own 25 per cent of the club. Britain’s second-richest man will also assume control of football operations, running the rule over United’s transfer business and their choice of manager.
Although Ratcliffe and his fellow INEOS executives appreciate Ten Hag’s body of work – with the Independent claiming that they once attempted to put him in charge of another club that they own, French side Nice – there’ve been suggestions that the Dutch boss could be axed given United’s shoddy start to the season. But Scholes, speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ narrow 1-0 win at home to Copenhagen on Tuesday thanks to a Harry Maguire goal and Andre Onana penalty save, insists that the former Ajax manager remains the right man to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
“I think it’s hard to say – I think he’s been a very good coach so far, I like him,” the ex-Red Devils midfielder told TNT Sports. “He’s been ruthless in a job that is incredibly difficult, he’s essentially been thrown out to the lions in the sense of answering every single question thrown at him by the media and I think he’s handled it really well.
Boxing champion and Manchester United fan Tyson Fury praised Andre Onana after the goalkeeper’s penalty save secured three vital Champions League points for the Red Devils.
The summer signing has copped his fair share of criticism after several error-strewn displays, but produced when it counted on Tuesday night as United picked up their first Champions League win of the season. Copenhagen were awarded a penalty in the 94th minute, but still couldn’t find an equaliser.
Onana produced a big save from Jordan Larsson – son of former United man Henrik. Old Trafford rejoiced as did the fans who weren’t there, Fury among them. The heavyweight boxer is a life-long supporter of the club and commented on Onana’s Instagram to show his love.
The Cameroon international said on social media: “For all Mancunians, for us, for Sir Bobby Charlton. We are UNITED” Fury then replied: “GETTTTTUPPPP” with Onana coming back at him with a salute emoji.
Maguire’s wife sends message
Fern Maguire has issued a sweet six word response to her footballer husband after his huge Champions League win.
The Manchester United defender scored the winning goal against FC Copenhagen where he managed to silence critics. Harry Maguire had been facing harsh criticism from fans and pundits over his recent performance. Yet his winning header has seen him receive heaps from praise, including from devoted wife Fern.
Taking to her Instagram, Harry’s wife reposted a picture of Harry celebrating his smart second-half header. Alongside the picture, Fern gushed: “Cream always rises to the top” followed by a red heart emoji.
Fern Maguire issued a sweet response to her footballer husband’s huge win
19:30Colin Millar
Mbappe’s mum makes admission
Kylian Mbappe used to wear Manchester United shirts emblazoned with Cristiano Ronaldo’s name, his mother has revealed.
Fayza Lamari has been speaking of her son’s love of football since a very early age and described the range of football tops he wore as a child. Milan, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Rennes were other clubs that Mbappe had shirts of while younger.
Mbappe, who joined Paris-based club AS Bondy aged six, was hugely passionate about football from a very early age with Lamari explaining how his shirt choices and general fandom were inspired by top strikers during his childhood in the 2000s.
Lamari said of her son’s Milan shirt, in quotes carried by Football Italia: “He wore it for training and even to bed. But like so many others: Real Madrid, France, PSG, Manchester United for CR7. He loved top strikers, but he could also wear the shirt of (Swiss striker, Alexander) Frei of Rennes.”
Erik ten Hag reserved special praise for Christian Eriksen after the Manchester United midfielder made a significant impact in Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen.
Eriksen, who started the match on the bench, was introduced at the break for Sofyan Amrabat in a bid to spark United into life. And the former Brentford and Tottenham man did just that before teeing up Harry Maguire for the game’s only goal in the second-half.
After seeing his side finally get off the mark in the Champions League, Ten Hag was quick to emphasise the positive impact Eriksen had on the match. The Dutchman’s glowing endorsement could signal a return to the team for Eriksen, who has not started a match since the chastening 3-1 defeat against Brighton in the Premier League back in September.
When he was asked why he had been left out the team for recent games by Ten Hag during the international break earlier this month, Eriksen gave a fairly frank response to Danish outlet Ekstrabladet. “I think you should ask the coach what he thinks,” he stated.
Maguire has a long way to go to save his Man Utd career
For his first Manchester United goal in 20 months, Harry Maguire scored with a good header while Andre Onana kept out a late spot-kick that should see FC Copenhagen’s Jordan Larsson removed from penalty duties.
It was a fine save but it was a pretty poor penalty. Nice height, nowhere near the corner. Not only were those contributions widely deemed as redemption for Maguire and Onana, they prompted some observers to get a bit feisty.
Among them was none other than Mesut Ozil, not always renowned for feistiness during his playing days. “Harry Maguire & Andre Onana deserve that – silencing the haters,” Ozil told his 26.3million social media followers.
Haters? Haters? Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places but I don’t see many ‘haters’ out there … unless, of course, Mesut means people who have had a strong opinion on Onana’s form since he joined Manchester United and on Maguire’s plight over the last year or so.
Ex-Man Utd star opens up on addiction struggles
Former Manchester United star Darron Gibson says he is in a happier place after opening up on his addiction to sleeping pills.
The ex-Ireland international, who also played for Everton and Sunderland during a career hampered by injuries, was taking a dozen tablets per night during the worst moments. And his problems came to a head last year when he was hospitalised following a seizure at home that left him fearing for his life.
In an interview with The 42, Gibson said: “I don’t even think I was functioning at that point. Looking back at pictures, I was grey, if I had kept going I would have died. I was taking 12 to 14 sleeping tablets a night.
“I was rushed to hospital and I didn’t mention any sleeping tablets to anyone. Danielle [his wife] knew I took them but she had no idea to what extent. I was good at hiding it. Sometimes I’d take them all at once when we’d be going to sleep and I’d say I was bringing up a drink of water for her.”
Man Utd women’s star target “redemption”
Following a weekend in which Manchester United midfielder Hayley Ladd, along with Brazil striker Geyse and forward Leah Galton, was forced to miss the 5-0 win over Everton to make amends for their midweek Women’s Champions League exit due to a stomach bug (“a lot of nastiness but it’s all over now”), resilience and redemption feel like more than suitable talking points.
“It definitely fuels your desire,” Ladd reflects. “We wouldn’t be as together and so many things wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have those set-backs, especially with the Wales squad, coming close and getting good results but not quite getting it over the line.
“The result on Wednesday was tough. It was hard to take. Everyone left everything out on the pitch and in terms of United, we’re early on our journey so to qualify for the first time for the qualification stages and to beat someone like PSG would have been a huge leap speaking realistically.”
Read the full story here
Hayley Ladd of Manchester United Women (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
17:01Matthew Cooper
Evra issues Man Utd demand
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has called on Red Devils’ fans to get behind the players and stop ‘the hate’ after the 1-0 win over Copenhagen.
Erik ten Hag’s side knew that nothing less than a win would do when they welcomed the Danish outfit to Old Trafford for match-day three of their Champions League group stage campaign. Having lost the first two fixtures against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray respectively, another slip-up could have cost the club its place in the competition.
However, with the stakes high and emotions running even higher given it was the first home clash since the death of club icon Sir Bobby Charlton, United secured the win late on courtesy of a Harry Maguire header in the 72nd minute. Though the goal was late, there was still time for more drama.
The hosts conceded a penalty deep into second-half stoppage time and it looked like Jordan Larsson was going to snatch a point for Copenhagen, but Andre Onana rose to the occasion and saved the spot-kick. His shot-stopping heroics sparked wild celebrations from players and fans alike.
After the game, Evra took to Instagram to write: “I’m begging all my @manchesterunited fans to keep supporting every player on this team thank you @harrymaguire93 and @andreonana.24 never give up #ilovethisgame #positive4evra #manchesterunited.”
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Scott McTominay is the solution to the club’s current midfield issues.
McTominay produced an incredible late cameo appearance to score two injury-time goals in United’s recent 2-1 win at home to Brentford in the Premier League. Having started just one of the side’s opening seven league matches, he has been named in the starting line-up in three successive matches since.
The Scotland international also found the net in the win at Sheffield United but struggled in the midweek Champions League victory at home to Copenhagen. With Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo ruled out through injury, McTominay was given an opportunity in the side.
United’s midfield structure has been lacking this season, not helped by player absences – new signings Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount have also had spells on the sidelines – with McTominay, who the club rejected a £30million bid from West Ham for over the summer, now stepping in.
“Scott McTominay’s role is to ask questions of the manager and say ‘I’m here. I’m a good, international player and I want to play for this club’,” Saha explained to Paddy Power. “He’s a good servant of the club and he’s pushing for his place in the team. He can score goals, he can defend, and he can provide that energy that this Manchester United team sometimes lacks.”
Maguire odds-on to outlast Ten Hag
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is now odds-on to outlast manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, according to Sportslens.
The England international, heavily linked with a move away from the club in January, is 1/3 to be at United longer than Ten Hag after his Champions League heroics. Maguire is now 8/15 to still be at Old Trafford when the January window SHuts as pressure on Ten Hag continues to rise.
15:33Fraser Watson
Ronaldo hits back at Saudi question
Former Man United player Cristiano Ronaldo insists that he “doesn’t care” about breaking records after cementing his place at the top of the global goalscoring charts for 2023.
“I don’t care much about records,” he said, via Goal. “I’m just thinking about enjoying it at the moment. Our team is improving from one match to another.
“Our coach [Luis Castro] and the technical staff are making a great effort to make Al Nassr the strongest team. The key to continuing to achieve records is that I am having fun, and this is a beautiful thing in football and the secret of my continuity.”
Everton face points deduction
Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Everton face a huge 12-point deduction for allegedly breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
Any potential penalty won’t directly impacy United, given the current eight-point gap between the teams. But it will have a profound effect on the Premier League table.
Silvestre praises Maguire
Mikael Silvestre was all praise for Harry Maguire after his match-winning display against FC Copenhagen
Speaking to bettingexpert.com, he said: “Harry Maguire is taking his chance. He was given the opportunity because of injuries to other players and it’s good for him because he needs to play.
“Harry is a solid guy, mentally and physically. Everybody is having a good relationship with him. He’s taking this opportunity the right way. He needs to play to get better and better, to have the rhythm, the confidence, the relationship with other players.”
(instagram/ @_fernmaguire)
14:12Fraser Watson
Ten Hag lauds United momentum
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United are building momentum after their third straight win.
“Players are stepping up and getting their markers into the season,” he told reporters, following the 1-0 victory over Copenhagen. “From there, they build up the belief. You see it on Harry Maguire, Andre Onana, I also think there were others with good performances.
“So if we produce that, and go from game to game, then we can build something.”
13:43Andy Dunn
Hojlund passes verdict on Man Utd start as he waits for first Premier League goal
For those who like to judge a player by statistics, Rasmus Hojlund’s start to life at Manchester United has hardly been a headline-grabber.
It is no Bellingham-Real or Kane-Bayern, that is for sure. The 20-year-old Dane has yet to find the net in seven hours of Premier League football, has managed three goals in as many Champions League games but has yet to register an assist in any competition.
For a £72million signing, the numbers are not great – but, as is often the case, the numbers do not tell half the story. After his debut was delayed by a back injury, Hojlund has impressed supporters and pundits with his work-rate, his link play, his pace and his strength.
And Erik ten Hag has always said these are just the first steps on a steep learning curve for Hojlund.
Copenhagen boss responds to Garnacho’s “childish, baby-level” Man Utd antics
Frustrated Copenhagen manager Jacob Neestrup has called on referees to red card players for scuffing the penalty spot like Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho.
After United conceded a 95th-minute penalty while leading 1-0 in their crucial Champions League group-stage clash, Garnacho was seen deliberately trodding on the spot in an attempt to give Copenhagen striker Jordan Larsson an unclean strike.
“It is up to referees and associations to set limits,” the 35-year-old manager affirmed in a post-match interview with VG, as quoted by Sport Witness. “All you have to do is give a red card for something like that, then people stop doing it.”
ICYMI – Man Utd’s special message to Sir Bobby on seat 122 that will never be empty
The card resting on the wreath placed on seat number 122 bore a simple message.
“Loved, Adored, Never Forgotten. Thank you. The Manchester United Family.” Seat number 122 will never be empty. Sir Bobby Charlton will always be here.
The scale of the tributes, the depth of emotion inside and outside Old Trafford on this European night, was evidence – as if it was needed – that Sir Bobby leaves a legacy to his club, his country and to the game that is unsurpassed in its significance and in its beauty.
It was also a reminder that this great club is not about owners, it is not about a myriad commercial deals, it is not even about the bricks and steel that need replacing here. And it is not about a phoney Champions League anthem, that is for sure.
Paul Scholes recalls Bobby Charlton still training with Man Utd stars in his SIXTIES
61-year-old Sir Bobby Charlton joined in Manchester United’s training session ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Barcelona in 1998.
Paul Scholes has recalled how a long-retired Charlton, who died at the age of 86 on Saturday following a three-year battle with dementia, helped United prepare for an epic 3-3 draw with Barca at the iconic Camp Nou which helped seal a place in the knockout stages. Serving as an ambassador for United, the England great was in Spain supporting Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who in November 1998 were on their way to repeating what Charlton and co did 29 years earlier by winning the European Cup.
Scholes explained to TNT Sports: “The night before we played at the Camp Nou he actually joined in training with us. I think somebody said he was 61 years of age. You look back and you realise how lucky you were to be involved with such a man. When you’re brought up at this football club you’re taught to have class whether you win or lose and that was Sir Bobby Charlton.
Louis Saha spells out what Rashford must do to become “unstoppable” at Man Utd
Louis Saha believes Marcus Rashford is “overthinking” – with the Manchester United forward firing another blank on Tuesday.
“In Marcus Rashford, I see a player with tremendous quality – there’s no doubt about that,” Saha told Paddy Power. “The only thing that’s holding him back is overthinking. He has a tendency to think too much and that’s the problem he has at the moment. It sounds very simplistic but it’s not. He’s got great energy levels, he’s very physical and the volume of his runs are his main strengths.
“He’s not helped by Manchester United’s slow tempo. Players take too many touches, and it takes too long to get the ball out wide to Rashford’s feet. Half a second is a massive amount in a game, and it provides the defender with too much time to close him down, forcing him to play it backwards.
Read the quotes in full HERE.
Marcus Rashford has been struggling on the pitch of late for Manchester United(Getty Images)
10:49Tom Victor
Ratcliffe’s plans revealed
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United is likely to see Jean-Claude Blanc hold ‘the primary influence over sporting strategy’, according to The Independent.
Former Juventus CEO Blanc is being lined up for a senior role, though there have also been reports of a potential position for Ratcliffe ally Sir Dave Brailsford.
Further appointments are expected to follow, though the same report indicates manager Erik ten Hag isn’t at risk.
10:07Josh O’Brien
Sir Alex ignored Ferdinand’s Man Utd transfer plea – “We need to get this guy!”
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed former boss Sir Alex Ferguson rejected his plea to sign ex-England teammate Aaron Lennon
Ferdinand would have had the chance to see Lennon in action before many others given the rapid winger was part of Leeds’ academy set-up at a time when the central defender was strutting his stuff in the first team at Elland Road. The pair also spent plenty of time alongside each other within the England set-up, both making the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads, though Ferdinand missed the latter through injury.
Lennon eventually left Leeds in 2005 and joined Tottenham for a fee of £1million. However, it wasn’t for the want of Ferdinand trying to convince Ferguson the wide-man could have been very useful at Old Trafford.
Reflecting on how impressed he was with Lennon during England training sessions, Ferdinand told Vibe With Five : “Aaron Lennon one time when he was young and got in the team, oh my god, he stopped and started a few people and went through the middle of the pitch and all of us were like [open mouthed].
Jude Bellingham sends personal message to Man Utd star
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice both sent England teammate Harry Maguire messages after his starring role in Manchester United’s win over Copenhagen.
Maguire netted the only goal of the game as his header in the second half clinched a vital three points for United to get their Champions League campaign back on track. Coupled with a dramatic late penalty save from Andre Onana, it secured a much-needed three points for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Bellingham wrote ‘Love to see it’ under an Instagram post from Maguire after the win, while Rice told the United defender he was ‘buzzing’ for him. Both players were themselves involved in Champions League action simultaneously, for Real Madrid and Arsenal respectively (indeed, Bellingham continued his remarkable form for Madrid by netting against Braga – his 11th goal of the campaign).
ICYMI: Malacia back in training
Tyrell Malacia has given Manchester United a boost with his return to training.
The left-back has yet to feature this term, and a comeback is still a way off, but now there’s some light at the end of the tunnel.
His last senior appearance came for The Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League in June.
Man Utd reveal Gary Neville’s poignant handwritten tribute to ‘greatest’ Sir Bobby Charlton
Manchester United have shared a handwritten message from Gary Neville paying tribute to “the greatest English footballer” Sir Bobby Charlton after the World Cup winner’s death.
“Sir Bobby, the greatest Englsih footballer and the greatest ambassador for English football,” Neville’s message began. “The epitome of what ‘a Manchester United player is’.
“Honesty, courage, hard work, loyalty and talent! The Busby Babes are my heroes and I hope you are all hugging each other right now. Thank you isn’t enough for how much you have done for our great club. Rest in peace.”
08:27Josh O’Brien
ICYMI – Maguire dedicates win to Sir Bobby
Harry Maguire has dedicated Manchester United’s win over FC Copenhagen to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Charlton sadly passed away on Saturday at the age of 86 and United paid tribute to him prior to Tuesday night’s match.
Speaking after the final whistle, Maguire, who scored the winning goal, said: “It’s one of those nights where it’s just meant to be. We were meant to win that game. That’s the win we wanted to dedicate to Sir Bobby, his family as well.
“It’s been a tough week for us, going to Sheffield United and coming away with three points isn’t easy and then the news about him passing, it affects everyone at the club, everyone in the dressing room. We’re really going to miss him and I’m happy we could get this win for him.”
07:51Josh O’Brien
Peter Schmeichel’s reaction to Onana save speaks volumes after damning verdict
A clip of Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel enthusiastically celebrating Andre Onana’s dramatic late penalty save in the win over FC Copenhagen has gone viral.
While Old Trafford waited with bated breath in the build-up to the penalty, Schmeichel was captured watching on in the crowd. And his jubilant celebrations after Onana’s superb stop were a big hit on social media with United fans.
Schmeichel’s reaction come just weeks after he delivered a scathing assessment of Onana, who has made a string of errors since his £47.3million summer transfer from Italian giants Inter Milan.
After admitting Onana had hardly “covered himself in glory” in the match against Brentford prior to the international break, Schmeichel told Premier League Productions: “I think a lot of that [Onana’s mistakes] is pressure. I spoke to him after Bayern. I spoke to him after Galatasaray as well and he was very down on the mistakes he made.
Ozil risks Arsenal fans’ wrath with praise for Man Utd duo “silencing their haters”
Mesut Ozil lauded Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Andre Onana in the wake of their match-winning exploits in the Champions League Both Maguire and Onana have been fiercely scrutinised in recent weeks for their form, but the beleaguered duo played a starring role in United’s 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford, with the former scoring the decisive goal and Onana saving a 97th-minute penalty.on Tuesday night.
After taking in the dramatic late scenes at Old Trafford, Ozil took to social media to praise United’s unlikely heroes, posting: “Harry Maguire & Andre Onana deserve that – silencing their haters,” complete with a shushing emoji.
Andre Onana responds to David De Gea message as Rio Ferdinand reconsiders stance
Rio Ferdinand believes Andre Onana’s dramatic penalty save against Copenhagen can kickstart his Manchester United career.
Onana produced a stunning save to deny Jordan Larsson from the spot to earn Erik ten Hag’s side a priceless Champions League victory at home to the Danish champions. It comes after a difficult opening two months for the former Ajax and Inter goalkeeper at the club.
Man Utd’s special message to Bobby Charlton on seat 122 that will never be empty
The card resting on the wreath placed on seat number 122 bore a simple message.
“Loved, Adored, Never Forgotten. Thank you. The Manchester United Family.” Seat number 122 will never be empty. Sir Bobby Charlton will always be here.
The scale of the tributes, the depth of emotion inside and outside Old Trafford on this European night, was evidence – as if it was needed – that Sir Bobby leaves a legacy to his club, his country and to the game that is unsurpassed in its significance and in its beauty.
It was also a reminder that this great club is not about owners, it is not about a myriad commercial deals, it is not even about the bricks and steel that need replacing here. And it is not about a phoney Champions League anthem, that is for sure.
22:47Key Event
Man Utd v Copenhagen talking points
It was a special night at Old Trafford for Manchester United – but not just because of what transpired on the pitch.
The moving scenes before kick-off as players, fans, and coaches honoured the memory of Sir Bobby Charlton seemingly set the stage for a memorable occasion against Copenhagen. Instead, Erik ten Hag’s men struggled to impose themselves, and the 0-0 scoreline after 72 minutes could have been worse had away striker Cupido Goncalves not hit the woodwork, while Lukas Lerager was brilliantly denied by Andre Onana.
But cometh the moment, cometh Harry Maguire. With time running out, he got on the end of a sublime cross from Christian Eriksen to head high into the net and keep the Red Devils alive in the race to qualify for the knockout stages, with Onana then superbly saving Jordan Larsson’s last gasp penalty to win it.
Mirror Football reviews the five main talking points from Old Trafford….
Maguire dedicates win to Sir Bobby
Harry Maguire has dedicated Manchester United’s win over FC Copenhagen to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Charlton sadly passed away on Saturday at the age of 86 and United paid tribute to him prior to Tuesday night’s match.
Speaking after the final whistle, Maguire, who scored the winning goal, said: “It’s one of those nights where it’s just meant to be. We were meant to win that game. That’s the win we wanted to dedicate to Sir Bobby, his family as well.
“It’s been a tough week for us, going to Sheffield United and coming away with three points isn’t easy and then the news about him passing, it affects everyone at the club, everyone in the dressing room. We’re really going to miss him and I’m happy we could get this win for him.”
22:01Key Event
FT: United 1-0 Copenhagen
Manchester United have beaten FC Copenhagen after a last-gasp penalty save from Andre Onana!
The goalkeeper has endured a torrid start to his United career since signing from Inter Milan in the summer but has earned United a priceless victory.
We’ll have all the reaction right here, so stay with us…
21:34Dan Marsh
GOAL: 1-0 United!
The deadlock has been broken…and it’s Harry Maguire!
The former United captain raises the roof at Old Trafford with a smart headed finish. How vital could that goal be in terms of Manchester United’s season in Europe?
21:08Dan Marsh
Half-time change
Christian Eriksen is on for Sofyan Amrabat at the break as we get things going again at Old Trafford.
Can Manchester United find that elusive goal?
20:50Dan Marsh
HT: Goalless at the break
The deadlock has yet to be broken as we head in for the half-time interval.
Rasmus Hojlund has come closest for the hosts, who simply need to win…
20:34Key Event
Sir Bobby Charlton tributes
Manchester United paid a moving tribute to Sir Bobby Robson before the match.
(Getty Images)
20:13Dan Marsh
Latest: 0-0
It’s still goalless at Old Trafford after some touching tributes to the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton.
(Getty Images)
20:12Dan Marsh
Bobby Charlton tributes
FC Copenhagen fans paid their own tribute to Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton before the match.
19:54Dan Marsh
5 minutes to KO
There’s just five minutes until kick-off at Old Trafford. United have to win after losing their opening two group games…
19:33Colin Millar
Ratcliffe takeover fears eased
The creditors at INEOS Group have been reassured that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment into Manchester United will be taken from his personal wealth and not the company.
Ratcliffe has been left as the only individual left in the running to invest in the Premier League giants after Sheikh Jassim withdrew from the race to take over United. INEOS founder and chief executive Ratcliffe becomes a minority investor in the club – as soon as his £1.4billion deal to purchase 25 per cent of United is complete.
This is a somewhat convoluted deal in that Ratcliffe would become the largest individual stakeholder at Old Trafford, where he would take the lead on sporting matters at the club. However, he would still hold just a quarter of the club – although there is a longer-term view to buying more shares.
Man Utd v Copenhagen XI: Two changes
The team news is in and United have made two changes for tonight’s must-win Champions League tie: Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon are in for Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.
Ten Hag gets Mainoo boost
Erik ten Hag could soon be welcoming Kobbie Mainoo back into the first-team fold after the youngster made his long-awaited return to action on Tuesday.
Mainoo started for the Under 19s side in their UEFA Youth League clash with Copenhagen at Leigh Sports Village. The hosts were beaten 1-0, but Ten Hag would have been heartened to see the 18-year-old midfielder come through unscathed.
Indeed, the game represented his first competitive minutes of any kind this season, despite his strong pre-season that left many fans tipping him to become a regular fixture in the Premier League in 2023/24. But his impressive summer was soured when he limped off early in the friendly game with Real Madrid with an ankle injury.
