No Doubt — Onana's bold claim: Manchester United will reach UCL knockout stage

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana | Imago

No Doubt — Onana's bold claim: Manchester United will reach UCL knockout stage

Izuchukwu Akawor 11:05 - 25.10.2023

Andre Onana was the hero as Manchester United renewed their UEFA Champions League, UCL, hopes against Copenhagen.

Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has made a bold statement after the club reignited hopes of a successful journey in the UEFA Champions League, UCL, this season.

Onana was the hero of the day as the Red Devils earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Copenhagen at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. 

Onana’s stars for Manchester United

The clash against the visitors was a must-win for Erik Ten Hag and his United side and it turned out to be an exhilarating European night for the home side.

Both teams showed determination to rekindle their UCL campaign after stuttering starts, but it was United who took all three points thanks to a combination of teamwork and individual brilliance featuring Onana.

Andre Onana has come under fire at Man Utd for perceived shot-stopping flaws || Photo credit: IMAGO
Andre Onana has come under fire at Man Utd for perceived shot-stopping flaw this season. || Photo credit: IMAGO Andre Onana has received criticism at Man Utd

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who has come under heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, played a pivotal role in keeping the visitors at bay.

Onana turned out to be one of the heroes of the night, alongside Harry Maguire, who netted the only goal, as he saved a late penalty to deny Copenhagen a share of the spoils and preserve all three points for United.

Maguire and Onana were the heroes for Manchester United against Copenhagen

His performance not only earned him accolades from the fans, teammates and greats like Mesut Ozil but also prompted him to make a confident declaration.

Manchester United to qualify for knock stage

Following his performance and the win for the team, Onana stated that he has no doubt that Manchester United will make it to the next stage of the UCL.

Harry Maguire and Andre Onana celebrate the win.
Manchester United players congratulate Andre Onana after the win. (Photo Credit: Imago)

“We are Manchester United, a very big club,” he said per a post from Fabrizio Romano. “We have to keep going, we have to win. I have no doubt we'll make it to the next UCL stage. I am sure.”

His words carried weight, given the vital role he played as the last line of defense for the team, the statement reflects the optimism and self-belief that the win could foster within the United camp.

The Red Devils currently sit third in their UCL group on three points, just a point behind second-placed Galatasaray, who occupy the final spot for the knockout round.

The path to the UCL knockout stage is never an easy one, and Manchester United face stiff competition with away trips to Denmark and Turkey still to come and a home clash against group leaders, Bayern Munich.

Manchester United's Andre Onana believes the club will make it out of their group | Imago

However, the win over Copenhagen was a significant step forward that could prove the turning point in the season under Ten Hag.

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