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FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson stars despite Man United defeat – ‘The best game of his life!’

POOL/AFP via Getty Images
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Manchester United had to huff and puff to reach the Europa League semi-finals as they came up against an inspired goalkeeping display from FC Copenhagen’s Karl-Johan Johnsson.

United had 14 shots on target against the Danish outfit in Cologne, with Sergio Romero not called upon to make a save at the other end, but took until the first half of extra-time to find a way past Johnsson and book their spot in the last four.

Former United striker Robin van Persie, working as pundit on BT Sport for the game, said the 30-year-old had had the “best game of his life” as he made a Europa League record 13 saves, only eventually beaten by Bruno Fernandes’ 95thminute penalty, which earned a 1-0 win.

Perhaps the pick of Johnsson’s saves was a terrific, one-handed stop to deny Anthony Martial a late winner in normal time, though he rivalled that with a magnificent reaction stop with his feet to keep out substitute Juan Mata’s deflected effort, which would have made it 2-0.

“He made some proper, proper saves, not just balls going towards him,” Van Persie said. “He really went for them, he put his body on the line.

“He went for great saves, the one from Martial was an unbelievable save with one hand. I think this was the best game of his life, it must be!”