We’ll start with the absolute last thing that happened.
Manchester United led 1-0 when Scott McTominay’s kick came dangerously high into the penalty area in added time.
After a VAR check, Copenhagen received a penalty and substitute Jordan Larsson stepped forward with the chance to equalise.
But United goalkeeper Andre Onana managed to raise his arm. A vindication for the keeper who was heavily criticized for previous efforts in the CL game.
Poor first half
The match was important for both teams, but extra pressure was on United after two straight losses against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Nevertheless, the first half was something of a sleep pill.
It was symbolized not least by the fact that the head referee Marco Guida blew the whistle even before 45 minutes had passed (44 minutes and 43 seconds to be exact).
Maguire headed in the winning goal
The closest to a position was Copenhagen, with Viktor Claesson in the starting eleven, who among other things had a shot in the post.
– It’s sad, of course. I think we have been the better team in all three games, yet we have only taken one point. It’s tough, Claesson told TV4 after the match.
Because in the second half, the weight from United coach Erik ten Hag’s shoulders was finally able to ease a little, after – also heavily criticized – Harry Maguire arranged the victory.
Substitute Cristian Eriksen was responsible for a perfect cross that Maguire nodded into the goal from close range – and was approved as onside after VAR review.
The match was preceded by a minute’s silence in honor of United legend Bobby Charlton, who died on Saturday aged 86.