October 24, (THEWILL) – Manchester United narrowly scaled through a resolute Kobenhavn side 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, to claim their first UEFA Champions League win of the season. An emotional pre-match tribute was paid to club legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away last Saturday before Harry Maguire’s second-half header proved decisive in a game of few clear-cut chances.
The opening exchanges belonged to the Danish visitors, who struck the post early on through Diogo Goncalves’ clever volley. However, United grew into the game and began to dictate possession, even if chances remained scarce. The first half finished goalless after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes.
The hosts improved after the break and got their reward just after the hour mark when Maguire powered home a bullet header from substitute Christian Eriksen’s pinpoint cross. United had chances to extend their lead but some smart goalkeeping from former Liverpool man, Kamil Grabara, kept the deficit to just one goal.
It looked as though Erik ten Hag’s side had done enough until a 94th-minute penalty was awarded to Kobenhavn after Scott McTominay’s high boot. However, Reds keeper Andre Onana preserved the victory with a fine stop from Jordan Larsson’s spot kick to clinch a vital 1-0 win.
The three points keep United’s Champions League hopes alive after an unconvincing but hard-fought performance at Old Trafford. They are third in Group A on three points after three games, behind Galatasaray on four points and Bayern Munich on nine.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
