Copenhagen vs Man Utd LIVE: Champions League result and reaction as United collapse after Rashford red card
Copenhagen 4-3 Manchester United: 10-men United hit with major setback in European campaign after defeat
Manchester United’s Champions League hopes received a huge blow as Erik ten Hag’s side twice blew a lead following Marcus Rashford’s red card before super sub Roony Bardghji sealed a bonkers 4-3 win for Copenhagen.
A fortnight on from injecting hope into a faltering continent campaign by narrowly beating the Danish champions, Parken witnessed a scarcely believable comeback that leaves the Red Devils bottom of Group A.
Rasmus Hojlund’s brace had put United in control against his former club, but Rashford’s red card sparked an incredible turnaround as Copenhagen’s pre-match tifo reading “your theatre of nightmares” proved prescient.
This first half was as dramatic as it was action-packed. Hojlund’s third minute opener at the end of a fine team move was followed by several breaks in play, before the Copenhagen native scored his second and was denied a hat-trick.
Things soon spectacularly unravelled for United. Rashford was sent off for catching Elias Jelert after a VAR review, with Mohamed Elyounoussi scoring before Diogo Goncalves levelled from the spot after a Harry Maguire handball.
A wild first half was followed by a pulsating second period. Skipper Bruno Fernandes’ penalty put United back ahead, only for Lukas Lerager to level again and substitute Bardghji to seal an incredible Copenhagen victory.
Copenhagen 2-3 Man Utd
78 mins: Manchester United are likely to face a lot of action inside their own final third as the match heads to it’s conclusion.
Bruno Fernandes wins a corner ball and nods it away but Rasmus Falk whips it back into the box. Scott McTominay leaps highest and gets the ball clear this time.
Copenhagen 2-3 Man Utd
75 mins: 15 minutes to play in Copenhagen. Galatasaray are also losing to Bayern Munich in Group A’s other contest meaning United are second in the table as it stands.
Can they see this game out?
Copenhagen 2-3 Man Utd
72 mins: The way this game has been refereed, anything that strikes the arm in the box is likely to be given as a penalty. United need to bear that in mind as they look to close out this game.
GOAL! Copenhagen 2-3 Man Utd (Fernandes, 69’)⚽️
69 mins: Pick that one out.
Bruno Fernandes smashes this spot kick into the back of the net and United have the lead with 20 minutes to go in this game. Is that the luck they need?
Penalty to Manchester United!
Copenhagen 2-2 Man Utd
67 mins: VAR is checking a potential handball. Bruno Fernandes floats a free kick into the box and finds Harry Maguire. He nods the ball onto the outstretched arm of Lukas Lerager.
The referee is called over to the monitor and watches the replays. He points to the spot.
Copenhagen 2-2 Man Utd
65 mins: Amrabat loses the ball in midfield and it comes quickly up to Bardghji who checks to the left and blasts a shot high and wide.
United are starting to tire it seems but they earn a rest as Denis Vavro fouls Rasmus Hojlund.
Copenhagen 2-2 Man Utd
63 mins: Copenhagen get the ball into the box and Elyounoussi nods it down to Viktor Claesson. He shoots and sees his effort blocked at the near post by Harry Maguire.
The defence is holding firm since half-time but there’s a long way to go in this game.
Roony Bardghji replaced Mohamed Elyounoussi for the home side.
Copenhagen 2-2 Man Utd
60 mins: An hour played in Denmark now and everything is as it was. United are being more cautious, Copenhagen seem worried about the counter-attacking threat.
A spark of creativity may be needed to open up this game.
Copenhagen 2-2 Man Utd
56 mins: Copenhagen seem a little lost in the final third as United defend with pretty much the entire team. There aren’t many options for them inside the box and a cross from the left sails straight out of play.
Copenhagen 2-2 Man Utd
53 mins: Save! Denis Vavro drills a long ranged effort towards the Man Utd goal and forces Andre Onana into a low save down to his right.
The goalkeeper making no mistakes there.
Vavro could have done better though, Copenhagen have the numbers and just need patience to break down United.
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