Manchester United had no other choice. They simply had to win – and not only to honour the memory of arguably their greatest player. This Champions League occasion was when the Old Trafford congregation came together to remember Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away on Saturday. The club pitched the pre-match ceremony with sensitivity and class.
After defeats in their opening two Group A ties, Erik ten Hag could not countenance a mis-fire against FC Copenhagen, the well-drilled Danish league leaders. Somehow, dramatically, United got the job done, despite being an imitation of their best selves for long spells, especially in the first half. They went to the very end – of both the tie and their nerves and, when it was over, redemption was the prominent on-field theme.
