Erik Ten Hag said FC Copenhagen should not have had a penalty in Man Utd’s 1-0 Champions League win but praised an “incredible” night for the club following Andre Onana’s late save.
His side finally earned their first win of their Champions League campaign at the third time of asking through Harry Maguire’s header, but could have been denied had Jordan Larsson netted a last-gasp spot kick at Old Trafford.
The penalty was awarded for a high boot from Scott McTominay following a Copenhagen corner – but speaking after the game, Ten Hag thought United’s path to victory should not have needed his goalkeeper’s intervention.
“It is incredible, a great night, especially in the last dying seconds we concede a penalty, which should not happen,” he told TNT Sport. “But then it was a brilliant save from Andre [Onana].
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Soccer Special’s Tim Sherwood reacts to Harry Maguire’s opener for Manchester United in their Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen
“Slowly we have found our form this season and Harry Maguire played a very good game again and Andre as well had a very brilliant save just after half-time, which was very important.
“We conceded such a soft penalty and I think we should have had a penalty on Rashford, I do not know why that is not a penalty.
“But we dealt with it and that is a step up from a few weeks ago when we got out of rhythm when we had some setbacks from refereeing decisions.
“But now we stayed calm after a poor first half and in the second half, we stepped up and all over, we created more chances than them.
“And finally, the win is justified, but it was a narrow escape in the end.”