“Erik ten Hag’s Thrilling Take on Man Utd’s Last-Gasp Victory and a Controversial Penalty”
In a night filled with nail-biting tension, Manchester United managed to secure a 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. However, it was far from a smooth ride, as a late penalty concession left fans and players alike on the edge of their seats.
Erik ten Hag, the mastermind behind Man Utd’s performance, couldn’t contain his excitement as he described the win as “incredible” and a “great night.” It was a match that had it all – passion, determination, and an unrelenting pursuit of victory.
But what truly made this victory an unforgettable one was the drama that unfolded in the dying seconds of the game. Man Utd found themselves in a precarious position when they conceded a penalty, much to the disbelief of their supporters. Ten Hag, while celebrating the triumph, couldn’t help but address this controversial moment, stating, “especially in the last dying seconds, we concede a penalty, which should not happen.”
This statement reflects the intense emotions that flowed through the players, the coach, and the fans during those crucial moments. It’s a reminder that in the world of football, the thrill of victory can sometimes be tinged with the agony of a last-minute setback.
As the Champions League continues to provide us with heart-stopping action and jaw-dropping moments, one thing is certain: the passion and dedication of teams like Manchester United will keep us glued to the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this incredible journey.
Erik ten Hag says Harry Maguire is now “dominating opponents” and Andre Onana “showed personality” after the pair’s match-winning performances in the 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen.
Maguire broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a header and has enjoyed a run of first-team football after falling out of favour. “He’s playing much more proactively in possession, stepping in, passing vertically,” said Ten Hag.
“He’s adopting an assertive style of defending, taking the initiative to challenge opponents head-on, displaying remarkable confidence in one-on-one battles. It’s evident that he’s effectively channeling his aggression against rivals, and the results speak for themselves. Furthermore, his prowess in aerial duels is truly remarkable, underscoring his ability to execute an impressive finish when the opportunity arise
“Erik ten Hag Hails Onana’s Redemption: The Hero of United’s Dramatic Win”
In a thrilling match that left fans at the edge of their seats, Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, had words of praise not just for his team, but for one player in particular who stood tall in the spotlight – André Onana. Onana’s last-minute penalty save was the defining moment that secured United’s remarkable victory, and it was a testament to his resilience in the face of prior scrutiny.
Much like Harry Maguire, Onana had faced his share of criticism in the lead-up to the game. Several high-profile blunders earlier in the season had left fans and pundits questioning his form and ability. However, in the crucible of the match against a formidable opponent, Onana displayed a remarkable resurgence.
Ten Hag couldn’t help but commend the goalkeeper, highlighting his newfound confidence by saying, “[Onana] showed personality.” It was clear that the player recognized the need for improvement and was determined to match his undeniable skill with consistent performance.
The coach went on to emphasize Onana’s stellar performance, not only in the recent game but also in their previous match on Saturday. He praised Onana’s quick reflexes, notably pointing out a brilliant save during a counter-attack just after half-time. Ten Hag also highlighted one of Onana’s standout skills – his prowess as a penalty-saver.
Onana’s journey from a challenging period of scrutiny to becoming the hero of the match underscores the resilience and determination that define the spirit of elite athletes. It’s a testament to the fact that in the world of football, redemption stories like Onana’s can take center stage, providing inspiration for both players and fans alike.
There was a word too for Christian Eriksen, whose introduction at the interval helped to turn the game in United’s favour.
“He was part of it definitely and our build-up got more fluid when he came in,” said Ten Hag. “Also, we made some adjustments in constructions and cooperations but Christian definitely plays a big part in that, his timings were good to get free and the best example was his assist for Harry Maguire’s goal.”
All of which ensures United go into the Manchester derby on Sunday in good spirits, a togetherness they will surely need against the Premier League champions.
“You can clearly witness it,” Ten Hag continued, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “There’s an incredible camaraderie in the dressing room, a united front where they fight together, celebrate together, and offer unwavering support to one another. This spirit, my friends, is the vital ingredient for a team’s success.
“The unity is a cornerstone, for a team is always more than just the sum of its individual talents. This is precisely what we must carry into the upcoming Manchester derby – the synergy of being on the same page and standing together as a formidable force.”
Ten Hag: Penalty should not happen
Ten Hag said FC Copenhagen’s late penalty “should not happen” but praised an “incredible” night for the club following Onana’s save.
His side finally earned the first win of their Champions League campaign at the third time of asking through Maguire’s header, but could have been denied had Jordan Larsson netted a last-gasp spot-kick at Old Trafford.
The penalty was awarded for a high boot from Scott McTominay following a Copenhagen corner – but speaking after the game, Ten Hag thought United’s path to victory should not have needed his goalkeeper’s intervention.
“It is incredible, a great night, especially in the last dying seconds we concede a penalty, which should not happen,” he told TNT Sport. “But then it was a brilliant save from Andre [Onana].
“As the season unfolds, we’ve been steadily rediscovering our form, and the standout performances from Harry Maguire and André Onana have been truly remarkable. Onana’s crucial save just after the halftime break cannot be understated; it played a pivotal role in our game.
“Of course, there were moments of frustration, notably the contentious penalty we conceded, and the puzzling non-call on a potential penalty for Marcus Rashford. These decisions can be quite confounding. However, the growth in our team is evident, especially when compared to a few weeks ago when we found ourselves thrown off balance by such refereeing setbacks.
“We’ve learned to keep our composure, even after a challenging first half. In the second half, we emerged stronger and created more opportunities than our opponents. The ultimate triumph was well-deserved, though it did come down to the wire in the end. It’s a testament to the resilience of this team, and the victory is a testament to our collective determination.”
Source:Skysports.com
