Manchester United were involved in a thrilling Champions League contest on Wednesday night, falling to a 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen in Denmark to leave them with considerable work to do if they are to avoid an early exit from Europe’s premier competition.
At 2-0 up and cruising after Rasmus Hojlund’s first half brace against his former club, United were in a great position. Victory would have seen them finish the night second in the group standings behind runaway leaders Bayern Munich and with their destiny firmly in their own hands.
But Marcus Rashford’s first half red card changed the game. Copenhagen struck back twice almost immediately to go level. Bruno Fernandes did put United back ahead from the penalty spot, but the momentum was with the Danes and late goals from Lukas Lerager and Roony Bardghji turned the game on its head. Copenhagen are now in the driving seat for second place.
This game has everything! 🤯
At 17 years old, Roony Bardghji puts Copenhagen ahead with this stunning strike! 🤩#UCL pic.twitter.com/GZZ6ULgyqO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2023
— Kristian (@vonstrenginho) November 8, 2023
— Adam McKola (@AdamMcKola) November 8, 2023
2 – Manchester United lost a UEFA Champions League match in which they led by 2+ goals for the first time. In all competitions, this was the Red Devils’ first defeat after taking a two-goal lead since September 2014 against Leicester City (5-3). Turnaround. pic.twitter.com/hGxmO5sQVD
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 8, 2023
A dream start to the evening turned into a nightmare for Manchester United! 😬 pic.twitter.com/89x9bcFoYw
— 90min (@90min_Football) November 8, 2023
There’s an unwanted stat for Manchester United, right there. #FCKMUN pic.twitter.com/48Y0ssvtkh
— FotMob (@FotMob) November 8, 2023
According to Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes, Rashford should not have seen red against Copenhagen 👀
🎙️ @ReshminTV | #UCL pic.twitter.com/Rp4iFkGqIr
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2023
Scholesy and Owen Hargreaves spot on with their analysis. No common sense. How are the commentators saying definite red with such chest.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) November 8, 2023
No way is that a red card for Rashford!
Hate these slow motion replays & still images that make everything look 10 times worse. #Champions_League #COPMUN— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) November 8, 2023
Ten Hag: “The red card changes everything and we concede two goals before half-time that should never have come. The first is offside, the second is a penalty… very debatable.
“The red card is also harsh. The ref has so long to make it a red card.”
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) November 8, 2023
When Varane came on it looked like players were rallying around him. Don’t know what’s gone on behind the scenes to mean he’s out of the first XI, whether it’s injury concerns or something else. But he didn’t cover himself in glory tonight with his performance 😬
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) November 8, 2023
Serious questions need to be asked about why can’t defend crosses….
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 8, 2023
At least one positive note tonight, Rasmus Hojlund.
Incredible again 👏 pic.twitter.com/q48SGCQhVz
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 8, 2023
Don’t worry, the averageness and apathy will eventually envelope him as well. https://t.co/vO9uc4qpJ4
— Scott Saunders (@__scottsaunders) November 8, 2023
