Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Andre Onana deserve match-winning moments after tough start to the season

When Manchester United needed their players to step up against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, they were bailed out by the unlikeliest of heroes.

With the game headed for a stalemate following yet another frustrating night at Old Trafford, it was Harry Maguire and Andre Onana who provided the much-needed spark.

Having defended gallantly all night, Maguire leapt highest to head home Christian Eriksen’s cross to give United the lead in the 72nd minute. The defender’s goal looked to have secured victory for Erik ten Hag’s side until a moment of madness from Scott McTominay saw FC Copenhagen awarded a penalty at the death.

At that moment, all Manchester United fans inside Old Trafford and even those watching from their homes were sitting on tenterhooks. However, Andre Onana produced a magnificent save to deny Jordan Larsson from the spot.

The Red Devils were within seconds of having just one point from three Champions League group games, which would’ve been a disastrous return, but were saved by the heroics of Maguire and Onana.

Harry Maguire and Andre Onana save the day

The post-match celebrations said it all as the Manchester United players rushed to Onana to congratulate him on a brilliant save. One particular picture of Maguire and Onana revelling in the moment that stands out.

The duo saved the day for Manchester United and spared the blushes of their manager and teammates, most of whom underperformed against Copenhagen. There was a sense of poetic justice in Maguire and Onana getting their match-winning moments, as both have been subjected to intense scrutiny by fans and the media.

Multiple reports suggested that Erik ten Hag was willing to sell Maguire during the transfer window, but the Englishman has made full use of his opportunity and seemingly cemented his place in the starting XI.

Onana, on the other hand, had the massive pressure of replacing long-time servant David de Gea at United and was brutally mocked for his errors in the team's first two Champions League matches.

Both, however, stepped up when needed and they’re the reason why Manchester United are still in contention to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

"He is dominating in the right way": Erik ten Hag praises Harry Maguire after up-tick in form

Maguire put in a tireless performance against FC Copenhagen and his goal was the reward for his hard work throughout the game. Manager Erik ten Hag also reserved praise for the centre-back in his post-match press conference.

Onana, on the other hand, had already produced two great stops to prevent Copenhagen from taking the lead before finishing on a high with his stoppage-time penalty save.

"He's [Maguire] playing much more proactively in possession, stepping in, passing vertically," Ten Hag said of the England defender, as quoted by the Guardian.

"He's defending on the front foot, defending forward, very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating in the right way with his aggression against opponents. You see he also gets rewarded. Of course, his heading is a skill... a very good finish."

On Onana, the Reds boss effused: "[Onana] showed personality. He knows his levels didn't match his skills before. He could do better. [He had] a very good performance on Saturday. Today, as well. Also, don't forget that brilliant save just after half-time in the counter-attack. Of course, one of his skills is he's a very good penalty-saver."

Maguire and Onana have endured a difficult start to the season and have been unfairly scapegoated by fans. But, on Tuesday, they showed great character and proved why they can be important players for Manchester United for the rest of the season.