Andre Onana feels Manchester United can take strength from the way in which we overcame FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The Reds claimed a first victory in this season’s UEFA Champions League, courtesy of Harry Maguire’s second-half goal, but the points were only secured by Onana’s superb penalty save from Jordan Larsson in injury time.
Erik ten Hag’s side were much improved in the second half and deserved what was a third win in a row in all competitions, a run that gives Onana confidence ahead of the coming games, starting with Sunday’s Manchester derby against City.
“It was an important victory for us – we had to win this game if we wanted to continue this competition,” the goalkeeper told us. “We are Manchester United and we have a lot of ambition, a lot of expectation.
“We had to win this game. We cannot go out after the first three games already, we are too big to go out so soon as possible. We have to fight and work hard.
“I am happy for the goal from Harry, He was the hero tonight and I am very happy for him. It was a good performance again from him, but we have to continue like this and, for sure, we will be stronger. It will give us confidence for the coming games because it’s not going to be easy, but we’ll give everything and be ready because the challenge is high, that is why we are here. We are one of the best clubs in the world so we have to fight for everything, every competition.”
Tuesday’s win was vital to keep United’s chances of progression from Group A alive, but those hopes were almost dashed when Copenhagen were awarded their late spot-kick.
But Onana, who is renowned for his penalty-saving ability, was the calmest person in the stadium as he dived to his left to tip away Larsson’s effort with the last touch of the game.
“I was just doing my job, being calm, not under pressure and making myself big, waiting as long as possible and making the save,”
the Cameroonian said.
It was an emotional night as Old Trafford paid tribute to the great Sir Bobby Charlton before kick-off, with wreaths laid out in the circle and on his seat in the directors’ box.
“He has done a lot for this amazing club,” Onana added. “It’s been difficult for the club, especially his family, so this victory was for him.”
Onana was also praised by manager Erik ten Hag for a brilliant save at the start of the second half as he diverted a goalbound effort by Lukas Lerager to safety.
The keeper’s overall performance was enough to earn him our Man of the Match award as he approaches Sunday’s big game with the Blues on a real high.
