Manchester United 1-0 FC Copenhagen: 5 Talking Points as Red Devils open account in UCL | UEFA Champions League 2023-24

Manchester United were made to work hard for all three points as they beat FC Copenhagen 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 24.

The Red Devils had lost their first two games in the 2023-24 European campaign, falling to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. Erik ten Hag made two changes from the lineup that beat Sheffield United, with Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon returning to the side to replace Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.

FC Copenhagen, on the other hand, had one point from their first two games, from a draw in gameweek 1 against Galatasaray.

It was the visitors that began the game brightly and they almost took the lead, with an effort from Diogo Goncalves striking the post in the fifth minute.

Manchester United took time to find their footing in the game, but eventually created chances late in the first half. However, they were unable to trouble Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.

The hosts looked better in the second half with Rasmus Hojlund and half-time substitute Christian Eriksen coming close to scoring. The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute as Harry Maguire powered home from a cross delivered by Eriksen.

United were doing well to hold on to their lead, but there was late drama as the visitors were awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the game. However, Jordan Larsson's spot-kick was saved by Andre Onana in what would be the last action of the game.

A solitary goal followed by a nervy ending ensured Manchester United finally got their first points of this UCL campaign. Here are five talking points from the game:

#5. First-half troubles continue for Manchester United

A key part of the Red Devils' middling run of results in recent times has been their poor performances in the opening period. Erik ten Hag's men have now failed to go into the break with a lead for five consecutive games and the Dutchman will be hoping that his side can start games better in the future.

#4. A day to remember for the Hojlund family

Rasmus Hojlund looked on from the bench as his brother Oscar was subbed on for the visitors late in the game as they hoped to salvage a result. Earlier in the day, Oscar's twin Emil featured in FC Copenhagen's 1-0 win over the Red Devils in the UEFA Youth League. Rasmus, who came up through the Danish side's youth system, eventually left for Austria and then Italy before joining United this season in a €70 million deal.

#3. Andre Onana silences his critics

The Cameroon international has had a tough start to his Old Trafford career. Brought in as David de Gea's replacement, Onana has put in a few mediocre performances, leading fans to wonder if replacing the Spaniard was the right move. However, the 27-year-old stepped up in a key moment tonight, saving a penalty in the dying moments to save two points for his team.

#2. Harry Maguire continues to impress

The English center-back has faced a lot of criticism over the past few years but put in yet another strong performance against Copenhagen. He has made full use of his opportunities in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. He scored the winning goal on the night with a powerful header and was solid overall, leading the side to three points.

#1. Manchester United are alive in Group A

Two defeats to begin their UCL campaign saw Manchester United rock bottom of Group A to begin the night. However, Galatasaray's loss to Bayern Munich followed by United's win, sees them jump to third, just a point below the Turkish side. They will be looking for better performances in the second round of fixtures to qualify for the knockout stages.