Manchester United suffered a humiliating 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving them on the brink of elimination from the competition.
The Red Devils had taken an early lead through former Copenhagen player Rasmus Hojlund, who scored twice in the first half-hour. However, Marcus Rashford’s sending-off for a reckless tackle changed the course of the game.
Copenhagen capitalized on United’s numerical disadvantage, scoring three goals in seven minutes to take the lead. Bruno Fernandes pulled a goal back for United from the penalty spot, but it was not enough to salvage a point.
The defeat leaves United bottom of Group A with just two games remaining. They will need to win both of those games and hope that other results go their way in order to qualify for the knockout stages.
Rashford’s red card turns the tide
Rashford’s dismissal was a major turning point in the match. The England international was having a good game up until that point, but his moment of madness cost United dearly.
“We played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game,” said United manager Erik ten Hag.
“It is a harsh decision. He was going for the ball.”
Copenhagen’s comeback
Copenhagen were the beneficiaries of Rashford’s red card. They scored three quick goals to take the lead, and they never looked back from there.
Mohamed Elyounoussi, Diogo Goncalves, and Lukas Lerager all scored for Copenhagen, while 17-year-old Roony Bardghji added a late fourth goal to seal the victory.
United’s season goes from bad to worse
The defeat to Copenhagen is just the latest setback in a dismal season for United. They have now lost nine of their 17 games in all competitions, and they are currently sitting in eighth place in the Premier League table.
Ten Hag is under increasing pressure, and he will need to turn things around quickly if he wants to keep his job.
What’s next for United?
United will travel to Galatasaray in three weeks’ time for their next Champions League game. They will then host Bayern Munich in their final group game.
United need to win both of those games and hope that other results go their way in order to qualify for the knockout stages. However, based on their recent form, that looks like a tall order.
