Man Utd's Harry Maguire 'proud' of himself for silencing critics after Copenhagen winner - 'We were meant to win'
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Published 24/10/2023 at 22:28 GMT
Amid a recent storm of critism, under-fire players Harry Maguire and Andre Onana both stood up to help Manchester United keep their Champions League hopes alive. Maguire scored the only goal of the match before Onana saved a last-gasp penalty to seal the win. After the game the defender spoke of his "pride," having come through recent scrutiny to help his side secure three wins on the bounce.
Andre Onana and Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrate after the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and F.C. Copenhagen at Old Trafford on October 24, 2023 in Manchester, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Harry Maguire says he is "proud" of how he has bounced back from a storm of criticism to perform for Manchester United after the defender scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Alongside Andre Onana, who has also experienced a turbulent time since his arrival at Old Trafford this summer, the pair helped keep the Red Devils' European campaign alive, with Onana saving a penalty from Jordan Larsson deep in injury time to seal the win.
After a lacklustre first half, Maguire scored his first goal for the club since February 2022, powering in a header on the 72nd minute.
“This is Man United, one of the most if not the most scrutinised clubs in the world,” he told TNT Sports.
“So when you’re not quite on your game, it gets picked up. It gets analysed.
“I’m really proud and pleased of the way I’ve acted over the last six to 12 months and I’ve been given an opportunity now and I just want to help the team and get the club back to where we want to be.”
After a lacklustre first-half, Paul Scholes criticised the centre-back for his positional play, with Maguire getting caught out in defence by Copenhagen's attackers, allowing the visitors to have two early chances.
While he was stripped of the captain's armband earlier this summer, he has also struggled for game time in the past 12 months under Ten Hag, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane arriving to rise above him in the manager’s pecking order.
But with both Martinez and Varane being absent with injuries in recent weeks, the England defender has come back into the fold to help United claim victories in their last three outings.
Maguire said that he was happy the team could get the victory for Sir Bobby Charlton who passed away, aged 86, on Saturday.
“Yeah definitely,” he said when asked whether he thought someone was watching over the team tonight.
“I think it was one of those nights where it was just meant to be. We were meant to win the game and you’ve seen it last minute it was a magnificent save.
“But it’s a win. It’s been a tough, tough week for us. We came away with a victoy at Sheffield United, a tough ground.
“Losing someone like Sir Bobby Charlton affects the form, it affects everybody in the dressing room. We’re going to miss him but are really proud we can get the win for him tonight.”
Onana has also faced criticism for his performances since joining United but after a stand-out display tonight, he was pressed on his side’s poor start to the season, claiming that he hoped this could be the turning point for the club.
When asked if his story since joining United had been one of resilience, he said: “Of course. But like I always said, we’re Manchester United.
“A big club. Big players. So it’s just a matter of time. Now we have to continue like this and when I see the way we are working I have no doubt we will make it.”
Speaking on what was going through his mind when he saved the clutch penalty, the 27-year-old added: “Just do my job you know. It was important for us to win against a really tough team. I’m happy with the victory and we played a really good game.
“Great goal from Harry. Yeah I’m very happy and I’d like to continue like that.”
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