Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag explains Harry Maguire's stunning improvement after dramatic Copenhagen win

But Maguire headed home the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute to give United hope of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

Many have written off the defender in recent times.

Maguire's stock has fallen drastically, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof often ahead of him in the pecking order.

But the centre-back got his redemption moment on Tuesday with his brilliant header.

Ten Hag stripped Maguire of the captaincy back in the summer, opting to give the honour to midfielder Bruno Fernandes instead.

That has allowed the centre-back to focus on his football, with Maguire now starting to come good again.

And Ten Hag believes the 30-year-old is 'dominating' more, while also hailing the way he's playing with the ball at his feet.

“Players are stepping up and getting their markers into the season," said the 53-year-old.

“From there, they get the belief, as you have seen with Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.

“I think there are others with good performances. If we produce that and go from game to game, we can create something.”

The Dutchman added: "He is playing more proactive in possession.

“Stepping in, passing vertical, defending on the front foot and also stepping in, passing vertical.

“Defending on the front foot, he is also stepping in and playing forward.

"Very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating.

“Also in the right moments, he is showing his aggression against the opponents.

"Then, you see he is also rewarded because of his heading.

“I have to say it is a great pass from Christian [Eriksen], but it was a great finish.”

Next up for United is Manchester City in the derby on Sunday (3.30pm).

The Red Devils can boost their hopes of finishing in the top five this season with victory at Old Trafford.

United will also be eager to deliver as a tribute to club legend Sir Bobby Charlton, too.

Charlton died at the age of 86 on Saturday after previously being diagnosed with dementia.

And Ten Hag says United will do everything possible to reign supreme and put their fierce rivals to the sword.

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"It gives belief, the next game is coming very quickly," said the Dutchman, whose side beat City 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League last term.

"It is a very tricky one [as you say] as we're playing against a good side but we know what we are capable of.

"As always, it's a special game in the city. We will be ready, I'm sure, the players are already now excited.

"Especially now in a week where Sir Bobby passed away, we will, of course, give extra to get the three points here."

Andre Onana was another hero for United as they picked up all three points on Tuesday night.

The Cameroon international has endured a difficult start to the season following his summer arrival from Inter Milan.

But Onana proved his worth for United by saving a penalty from Jordan Larsson at the death.

Ten Hag was delighted for the Cameroon shot-stopper, insisting he always knew his summer recruit would come good.

"I know how good he is and the skills he has," he added.

"At United, you have to show it every game, having the right focus and mindset. If he has that, he will perform.

"I think it's very important for him. Of course, he had some criticism but now he saves the points for the lads, it was a brilliant save just after half-time also.

"You can see this team is growing, we have a lot of setbacks as a team but, in the dressing room, we deal with it and, slowly, we are coming forward."