Manchester United vs. Copenhagen score: Bruno Fernandes penalty sends Red Devils to Europa League semifinals

Man United needed extra time to get past a tough Copenhagen side

Manchester United are through to the Europa League semifinals after beating Copenhagen in extra time in the quarterfinals on Monday, 1-0, in Cologne, Germany. The Red Devils scored via penalty kick in the first half of extra time with Bruno Fernandes converting it. United will now face Wolves or Sevilla for a spot in the final.

It was an eventful match and although the extra-time penalty proved to be the decider, United was the stronger side. The Danish club stayed in the game due to an inspiring performance from goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson, who made numerous world-class saves as his team kept the chance of an upset alive for much of the match. 

United joins Inter Milan in the semis after the Italian club beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1. For a complete look at the bracket, click here.

Here are three takeaways from the match.

1. FC Copenhagen's goalkeeper's agents better get some calls

Johnsson was absolutely spectacular on the night with 13 saves and proved he is a fantastic shot-stopper. He made saves with every part of his body except his head, reacted well with both hands and was quite impressive. If I'm a Premier League team (looking at you, Chelsea) or Serie A team looking for a goalkeeper, I'm placing a call because his market price is certainly under $5 million and could be a great value. He's 30 years of age, which isn't a lot for a goalkeeper, and he's got national team experience with Sweden. 

2. There's no better penalty-kick taker than Bruno

Death, taxes, and Bruno Fernandes converting from the penalty spot. He's made 18 straight for Manchester United and hasn't missed once since October of 2018. That means it's been nearly two years since he missed a spot kick, which is easier said than done. He's got great accuracy on his spot kicks, puts a bit of pace on them and just shows extreme confidence, and he did it again in this one. 

3. Give Copenhagen credit

That was a performance Copenhagen should be proud of. Sure, they didn't produce a single shot on goal as accuracy was off, and their goalkeeper had to make so many saves, but they were sharp on the ball, used fouls to slow down United on the counter and really competed. It was a valiant effort for a club that wasn't given that much of a chance to win. 

Manchester United 1, Copenhagen 0 (Final a.e.t.)

⚽ Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes penalty (94')

[Aug 10, 2020 at 5:21 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Johnsson, the goalkeeper for Copenhagen, has been just brilliant. Saved a few sure goals in this one. Just making saves with every part of his body.

[Aug 10, 2020 at 4:55 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

It's going to extra time surely as Stage takes a hit from range for the Danish side that goes way over. Hit it well, but he leaned back too much, causing the ball to go way high.

[Aug 10, 2020 at 4:46 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

84' What a save! Martial with a curling rocket, and Johnsson makes the brilliant stop with his right hand.

[Aug 10, 2020 at 4:44 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

REMINDER -- if this match finishes regulation tied, extra time will follow. That's 30th minutes worth with an additional substitute.

[Aug 10, 2020 at 4:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

63' The best chance of the day? Bruno Fernandes with a lovely strike from range, one that had movement, that rocked off the post!

[Aug 10, 2020 at 3:52 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Well, 0-0 at the break. Greenwood was clearly offside. United stronger towards the end of the half, but anything can happen in the second 45.