Manchester United secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford on 24 October 2023, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. It was a game defined by tense moments, late drama, and standout performances, with the Red Devils relying on moments of individual brilliance rather than free-flowing football.

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Teams

Manchester United: Onana, Reguilon (Lindelof 63′), Maguire, Varane, Dalot, McTominay, Amrabat (Eriksen 46′), Rashford, Fernandes, Antony (Garnacho 63′), Hojlund (Martial 86′)

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Evans, Mejbri, Mount, Pellistri

FC Copenhagen: Grabara, Jelert (Sorensen 76′), Diks, Vavro, Ankersen, Goncalves (Larsson 85′), Falk, Lerager, Achouri (Hojlund 90′), Claesson (Oskarsson 76′), Elyounoussi

Subs: Dithmer, Sander, Khocholava, Boilesen, Lund, Tanlongo, Babacar, Bardghji

Manchester United 1-0 FC Copenhagen

Manchester United edged past FC Copenhagen with a hard-fought 1–0 victory at Old Trafford on 24 October 2023, claiming a vital three points in their Champions League group. In a game that swung between control and chaos, Erik ten Hag’s side showed resilience rather than fluency, with the home crowd urged on by the need for a response after a difficult run of form.

The breakthrough arrived midway through the second half when Harry Maguire, wearing the captain’s armband, rose highest to power home a header from a Bruno Fernandes corner. It was a moment of redemption for the centre-back, whose goal injected belief into United’s play and sparked a louder, more confident atmosphere inside the stadium. Copenhagen, however, refused to fade and continued to pose a threat, particularly on the counter-attack.

Drama peaked deep into stoppage time when Copenhagen were awarded a penalty, threatening to snatch a point at the death. Step forward André Onana, who produced a superb save to deny Jordan Larsson and seal the win. The final whistle brought equal measures of relief and celebration, as United kept their Champions League hopes alive on a night defined by grit, resolve, and two decisive moments at either end of the pitch.

Talking Points

Maguire’s Redemption: Harry Maguire’s headed winner was the standout moment of the night, and for the captain himself, it felt like redemption. After a spell of scrutiny over his form and fitness, Maguire rose to meet Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint delivery, showing composure and timing to give United the lead. His goal not only changed the scoreboard but also seemed to lift the team’s collective confidence, proving that leadership on the pitch can be just as decisive as attacking flair.

Onana’s Crucial Save: While the goal got the headlines, André Onana’s penalty save deep into stoppage time may have been even more critical. Jordan Larsson stepped up for Copenhagen, but Onana read the spot-kick perfectly, diving low to his left and keeping a clean sheet intact. The save ensured United walked away with all three points and underscored the goalkeeper’s growing importance to Ten Hag’s side, particularly in tight European encounters.

United’s Midfield Battles: Despite the win, Manchester United’s midfield showed signs of vulnerability. Copenhagen were able to win possession in dangerous areas and launch quick transitions, highlighting gaps in United’s defensive shape. Casemiro and Fred had to work tirelessly to disrupt Copenhagen’s rhythm, and while they succeeded eventually, the game exposed areas where the Red Devils will need more cohesion to dominate stronger European opponents.