MANCHESTER UNITED pulled off a huge Champions League win over Danish outfit Copenhagen last night.
Harry Maguire’s header and Andre Onana’s stoppage-time penalty save sealed three crucial points for the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if the British billionaire buys into the club and takes control of football operations.
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Kobbie boost
Kobbie Mainoo has finally returned to Manchester United match action after injury.
The midfielder, 18, started for the Red Devils’ under-19s against Copenhagen in the Uefa Youth League on Tuesday.
The whizkid made his first appearance since hurting his ankle on the club’s USA tour back in July.
He played 45 minutes before being replaced by Jayce Fitzgerald at half-time.
Reacting to Mainoo’s inclusion in the starting line-up, one United fan commented: “Kobbie is back finally!”
Another added: “Lovely, this is fantastic.” Meanwhile, a third supporter wrote: “Mainoo back in the squad, nice!”
The 18-year-old midfielder had impressed in pre-season before suffering an injury setback.
He returned to training earlier this month, with footage from Carrington exciting United fans.
‘Tyrell training again’
United’s left-back curse could be easing as Tyrell Malacia is reportedly back in training.
England star Luke Shaw has been out injured since August.
And although Sergio Reguilon arrived from Tottenham on loan, centre-back Victor Lindelof had to fill in on the left of defence in Saturday’s 2-1 Prem win at Sheffield United.
But the Manchester Evening News say Holland ace Malacia is now training individually and did ball-work yesterday.
The Holland ace has been out with a knee problem.
Prem giants queue up for Nico
Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool have reportedly all recently asked Athletic Bilbao about winger Nico Williams – so will United follow suit?.
The 10-cap Spaniard, 21, is out of contract next summer.
Williams is thought to have turned down Aston Villa in the last transfer window.
But 90min say Premier League clubs are keener than ever on the starlet.
Athletic are said to be optimistic Williams will extend his deal.
But his list of admirers is growing – especially after four assists in seven LaLiga games this season.
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Here’s why I say ‘Can’t believe we let Ronaldo go’
United fans suddenly rue Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit 10 months ago after his latest stunner for Al-Nassr.
The Portugal legend’s 25-yard cracker on the 38-year-old’s weaker, left foot left completed his double in a 4-3 win over Al-Ahli.
One Red Devils’ supporter “can’t believe we got rid of him” ago – while another fan claimed even left-footed GOAT rival Lionel Messi had never scored such a great goal from the same boot.
Ronaldo followed a free-kick special at the weekend with an even better display as Al-Nassr made it five straight wins in the Saudi Pro League.
And in fact both goals in a spelllbinding top-four clash against Al-Ahli came with his left foot.
But one armchair observer said of Ron’s contribution: “Say what you want about the league he’s playing but for a 38 year old, he’s amazing.”
Another wrote: “Messi is left footed and I’ve never seen him do that.”
And amongst the many GOAT claims – including a “Best of all time” assessment – was this measured verdict: “Still one of the top five players in the world.”
Scuff justice for ‘wonderful s***house’ Garnancho
United sealed a crucial Champions League win over Copenhagen thanks to a last-gasp penalty save from Andre Onana.
But some fans noticed that his team-mate influenced the spot-kick.
Alejandro Garnacho appeared to scuff the penalty spot while the referee wasn’t looking – just moments before Jordan Larsson’s shot was saved.
Fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “Garnacho you wonderful s***house.”
Another added: “GARNACHO I LOVE YOU.”
A third person wrote: “Bro went straight into business as soon as referee whistles for penalty.”
While a fourth joked: “HAHAHAHA MY S***HOUSE STARBOY.”
Man Utd went on to win the game 1-0 thanks to Harry Maguire’s second-half strike.
The Red Devils have now jumped up to third in Group A, behind Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Strike ratings
Marcus Rashford – 6
Should have opened the scoring when he was set up in front of Grabara only for a heavy touch to ruin his run.
Was inconsistent down the left.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
A strong performance against his former club and could have bagged a goal.
Hojlund also produced some brilliant balls for his team-mates that led to some real goalscoring opportunities.
Antony – 5
The Brazilian didn’t show any product in his runs or dribbling once more.
United manager Ten Hag made the right call as he took him off early in the second half.
Midfield ratings
Sofyan Amrabat – 6
Returned to his natural position after stints at left-back amid Man Utd’s injury crisis. But he couldn’t really shine next to Scott McTominay and United really improved after Christian Eriksen’s introduction.
Scott McTominay – 6
A strong performance from the in-form Scot, but he improved after Eriksen came on. McTominay would have received a higher grade if he hadn’t given away that penalty by carelessly fouling Mohamed Elyounoussi with a high foot at the death.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Another solid performance by the United captain.
Man Utd ratings – defence
Andre Onana – 8
Silenced his critics with a stunning penalty save in the final moment of the match.
He also denied Lukas Lerager with a stunning lunge to his right.
Diogo Dalot – 7
A composed performance by the full-back, who was especially dangerous when moving forward.
Dalot’s wondergoal against Sheffield United really boosted his confidence and it showed at Old Trafford.
Raphael Varane – 7
He inspired confidence from the first minute alongside Harry Maguire.
Got the better of his one-on-ones and was rock-solid throughout.
Harry Maguire – 8
The former Man Utd captain honoured his club’s most famous skipper Sir Bobby Charlton with his best performance in months.
And after some brutal criticism, Maguire sealed United’s first Champions League victory with a stunning defensive display and clinical header.
Sergio Reguilon – 6
He only returned from injury and showed promising signs for the difficult matches ahead.
However, he did also show signs of nerves throughout the game.
Sofyan Amrabat – 6
Returned to his natural position after stints at left-back amid Man Utd’s injury crisis. But he couldn’t really shine next to Scott McTominay and United really improved after Christian Eriksen’s introduction.
Man Utd ratings – defence
Andre Onana – 8
Silenced his critics with a stunning penalty save in the final moment of the match.
He also denied Lukas Lerager with a stunning lunge to his right.
Diogo Dalot – 7
A composed performance by the full-back, who was especially dangerous when moving forward.
Dalot’s wondergoal against Sheffield United really boosted his confidence and it showed at Old Trafford.
Raphael Varane – 7
He inspired confidence from the first minute alongside Harry Maguire.
Got the better of his one-on-ones and was rock-solid throughout.
Harry Maguire – 8
The former Man Utd captain honoured his club’s most famous skipper Sir Bobby Charlton with his best performance in months.
And after some brutal criticism, Maguire sealed United’s first Champions League victory with a stunning defensive display and clinical header.
Sergio Reguilon – 6
He only returned from injury and showed promising signs for the difficult matches ahead.
However, he did also show signs of nerves throughout the game.
Sofyan Amrabat – 6
Returned to his natural position after stints at left-back amid Man Utd’s injury crisis. But he couldn’t really shine next to Scott McTominay and United really improved after Christian Eriksen’s introduction.
Who could have scripted Onana & Harry as the heroes?
It was Sir Bobby Charlton himself who famously called this legendary ground the “Theatre of Dreams”, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
But nobody could have dreamed this one up. Not Harry Maguire, not Andre Onana.
The outpouring of emotion on the pitch and in the stands showed what it all meant.
Maguire the goalscorer in the 72nd minute.Then in the seventh minute of injury time and with the last kick of the game substitute Jordan Larsson – son of ex-United striker Henrik – had a penalty saved by the much-criticised United No1. Incredible, just incredible.
What of Maguire. Dumped out the team last season and then humiliated when the captain’s armband was taken off him.
He was up for sale if there were any takers. Maguire was not going quietly.
He wanted a proper pay off to go and Manchester United could not reach an agreement. So he was staying and that inner determination that got him to Old Trafford in the first place has shone through since.
What an example to sulking stars…
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FT: Man Utd 1 FC Copenhagen 0
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Latest: Man Utd 1 FC Copenhagen 0
Harry Maguire’s 72nd minute header has left United edging closer to their first Champions League group points of the season.
The England defender headed in at the backpost when sub Eriksen crossed the ball back in after a corner was half cleared.
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SH under way: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag replaced Amrabat with Christian Eriksen for the second period.
Amrabat briefly looked United’s sole inspiration in the first period.
But change in the engine room was definitely needed.
There’s not been much different so far, though.
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HT: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
Huge room for improvement for the Red Devils.
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Latest: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
Into first-half stoppage time – with Copenhagen finishing as the stronger side.
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Latest: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
Sofyan Amrabat has looked the man most likely for United as they finally patch together some reasonable moves.
But the Red Devils survived a big scare early on.
Harry Maguire’s meek challenge enabled Mohamed Elyounoussi to surge into United’s half for a cross that beat Raphael Varane and left Diogo Goncalves free to mis-hit a volley off the bottom of the post.
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Fitting tribute
United fans gathered outside Old Trafford this evening to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Sir Bobby passed away peacefully on Saturday after a three-year battle with dementia.
He was one of the greatest players to ever represent Man Utd and England.
The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford tonight for the first time since Sir Bobby’s passing.
And hundreds of fans gathered at the stadium hours before kick-off to pay tribute to the club legend.
Flowers, scarves and photographs were placed around the iconic United Trinity statue ahead of the Champions League match against Copenhagen.
Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold also placed a wreath on the 1966 World Cup hero’s seat in the Director’s Box with a card that read: “Loved. Adored. Never forgotten. Thank you. The Manchester United family.”
Latest: Man Utd 0 FC Copenhagen 0
Applause rang round Old Trafford for the tribute to club legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
And now this Champions League group game is under way.
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Maguire keeps place as Reguilon returns
Here’s how winless United line for their third Champions League group game – at home to Copenhagen.
Harry Maguire keeps his place in central defence, with Raphael Varane returning to partner him.
Sergio Reguilon is back on the left of defence.
And in midfield Casemiro’s suspension means in an intriguing link-up for Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat.
FOR ALL THE BUILD-UP, ACTION AND
REACTION GO TO OUR LIVE MATCH BLOGMaguire keeps place as Reguilon returns
Here’s how winless United line for their third Champions League group game – at home to Copenhagen.
Harry Maguire keeps his place in central defence, with Raphael Varane returning to partner him.
Sergio Reguilon is back on the left of defence.
And in midfield Casemiro’s suspension means in an intriguing link-up for Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat.
FOR ALL THE BUILD-UP, ACTION AND
REACTION GO TO OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG
Tonight’s match odds
The Red Devils are overwhelming favourites to land their first Champions League group points of the season tonight.
And the Betfair odds equally suggest tonight’s Old Trafford visitors FCCopenhagen have little hope.
MATCH ODDS
Man United 2/9, Draw 7/2, FC Copenhagen 15/2.
Utd honour Sir Bobby
United face Copenhagen in a must-win Champions League clash after two straight group losses.
Tonight’s Danish opponents Copenhagen will be aiming to build on their spirited 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich as they seek their first win in this year’s competition.
United players and staff will wear black armbands this evening to pay its respects to the late Sir Bobby Charlton.
The 1966 World Cup winner passed away aged 86 on Saturday after a battle with dementia.
Since Sir Bobby’s death, former Man Utd and England players have joined fans at Old Trafford to lay flowers and scarves outside the Trinity Statue, as well as sign a book of condolences.
The club have outlined how they will pay their respects to Sir Bobby this evening, the statement read: “We will honour and remember Sir Bobby at our men’s first-team game against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday through a special pre-match tribute, which will conclude with a minute’s silence before kick-off.
“A wreath will be in place on Sir Bobby’s seat within the Director’s Box, players and staff will wear black armbands and Sir Bobby will be remembered on the cover of the matchday programme.”
Pressure mounts on Sofyan tonight
Casemiro’s suspension tonight means Sofyan Amrabat is under even more pressure.
United host Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight without their main anchorman midfielder.
And that means Amrabat is tipped for a more defensive role as he battles to settle down since his summer arrival from Fiorentina.
United legend Gary Neville is among those who have pointed out the Moroccan is far from a natural holding midfielder.
Pressure mounts on Sofyan tonight
Casemiro’s suspension tonight means Sofyan Amrabat is under even more pressure.
United host Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight without their main anchorman midfielder.
And that means Amrabat is tipped for a more defensive role as he battles to settle down since his summer arrival from Fiorentina.
United legend Gary Neville is among those who have pointed out the Moroccan is far from a natural holding midfielder.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
