Manchester United hosted FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford in a must-win Champions League affair this evening.
Heading into the game, United were sitting bottom of Group A with zero points after successive defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Erik ten Hag started Andre Onana in goal. In defence, the United boss named Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Sergio Reguilon.
A trio of Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes were tasked with patrolling the middle of the park.
Rasmus Hojlund led the line with Antony and Marcus Rashford on either wing. Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen.
Questionable starting XI selections by Ten Hag
When the official team sheet came out, there were valid concerns about some of the names on it as well as absentees.
A number of stars who did not play well against Sheffield United were surprisingly included in the starting XI.
In yet another game, McTominay was given the nod ahead of other players such as Mason Mount and Hannibal Mejbri.
At Bramall Lane, McTominay was poor despite the fact that he scored a goal. To put his display vs. the Blades into context, the Scotland international only completed nine passes during the 60 or so minutes he was on the pitch.
It was therefore a bit puzzling that he was rewarded with a start.
Another player who was below par against Sheffield United was Antony, but just like McTominay, the Brazilian winger started vs. FC Copenhagen, in a game the Red Devils absolutely needed to win if they were to have any chance of making it out of Group A.
In truth, Antony has not done anything of note this season and his continued selection in the starting XI no matter how poorly he performs is becoming mind-boggling.
Even Ten Hag’s trusted men like Rashford and Fernandes have not come up with the goods in recent games, and a case could be made that they should also be part of a long overdue cull with respect to team selections.
Ten Hag’s questionable picking of the starting XI is more often than not made more glaring by the huge impacts made by the substitutes such as Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho looked lively and dangerous when he was introduced into proceedings. The Argentine had a few cracks at goal and would have been disappointed not to have got one.
Eriksen came close to opening the score just nine minutes after the interval with a shot that required the opposition goalkeeper to come up with a superb save.
It was the midfielder who produced a stunning cross to Maguire, who headed the ball into the back of the net to give United the lead.
It’s important that going forward, Ten Hag practises what he publicly preaches – that breaking into the team is contingent on merit and current form rather than reputation and what one has done in the past.
United not creating nearly enough chances for Hojlund
A recurring theme that has consistently become apparent this season is that United have not been playing to Rasmus Hojlund’s strengths.
During a period of turmoil for the team, the 20-year-old has been one of the few positives.
Against FC Copenhagen, Hojlund held up the ball well and kept possession even when under extreme pressure.
His link-up play is one of the goalscorer’s best attributes and he showed this against the opposition.
Hojlund demonstrated clever movement, especially inside the box but unfortunately for him, his teammates could not pick him out.
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit recently accused United players of ignoring Hojlund’s runs and not offering him adequate support – this was evident against FC Copenhagen.
United need to work towards finding Hojlund more and providing him with enough service.
He frequently cuts a lonely figure up front and this is something Ten Hag and his coaching staff must seek to remedy.
Incredible turnaround by Maguire
Maguire has started United’s last three games and in all three, the England international has barely put a foot wrong.
Courtesy of his fantastic header, the 20-time English champions still have a chance of making it out of the group and advancing to the next round of the competition.
Maguire has been solid defensively and during a season in which Ten Hag has had to deal with multiple injuries to his defenders, the former club skipper has really stepped up and showed what he is made of.
The 30-year-old looked nailed on to leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window after a bid from West Ham was accepted.
However, since the move collapsed, he has focused and worked hard on getting back into the team.
It’s fitting that he is reaping the rewards after such a difficult few seasons.
Onana saves United
Right at the death, FC Copenhagen were awarded a penalty after a high boot from McTominay almost took out a rival player.
However, Onana, who has had a difficult start to life at United, came up clutch when he saved the penalty.
The emotions could be seen by just how emphatically his teammates came up to him, hugged him and congratulated him.
Hopefully, the Cameroonian kicks on now and shows his quality on a consistent basis.