Manchester United crumbled to defeat for a third time in Europe this season against FC Copenhagen tonight.
The Reds imploded after Marcus Rashford’s red card to throw away a two-goal lead. Then, in the second half, we took the lead again… only to concede two more goals at the end.
It will go down as our ninth defeat of the season, which is more than the eight wins we’ve managed.
Without further ado, here are my three observations from the 4-3 defeat against Copenhagen:
Hojlund loves the Champions League
Our young Danish striker has five goals in four Champions League matches for United. It’s a remarkable record and he would have enjoyed scoring a brace against his former club tonight. Since arriving at United, his new teammates have not provided enough service for him, and he needs to be getting on the scoresheet in the Premier League.
Hojlund was brilliant again tonight but Ten Hag shouldn’t have took him off. After all, he was our only goalscoring threat.
Intent seems irrelevant these days
I couldn’t believe it when I saw the referee gave Marcus Rashford a straight red card prior to the break. The foul on Elias Jelert was clearly accidental, with zero intention, but he did go in high on his ankle. I guess, in the modern game, we can have no complaints but anybody with a brain can see that it was an extremely harsh decision. No more than a yellow card for me and it’s not like he broke Jelert’s leg. The Copenhagen star played on. United looked like they were set to collapse after the red card – conceding two goals in quick succession – but they came out the better side in the second half.
Defending cost us in the end
United got back in the lead with over 20 minutes remaining thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty. Then, moments later, Copenhagen equalised again. They were handed the goal by appalling defending from Diogo Dalot. I can’t get my head around his attempt to defend the cross? Awful but it all came from an awful pass by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. I think we might see Sergio Reguilon at left-back on Saturday.
Furthermore, Copenhagen’s fourth goal showed how bad United are defensively as Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane had a nightmare trying to play out from the back. We gifted them the three points and the consequence could be hefty.
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Mount for Hojlund? MOUNT FOR HOJLUND??!?
Wtf is the thinking behind that?
He has just ashamed his self
Teg Hag must be sacked period ngaaende kumusha Manchester United haisi yevanhu vanofembera njuga
And who do we replace him with?
Stop ONANA from starting for united,sack ten hag immediately
The signs of a revival in our fortunes are there – great start against Copenhagen, only wiped out by some really questionable refereeing. Hojlund showing he has the poachers instinct that only true strikers possess. Currently joint top scorer in the CL. I can understand bringing Mount on towards the end. Erik needs to protect Hojlund – he’s playing a much bigger role than he should be and we know he was carrying an ongoing injury when he joined. Sadly, Mount is clearly a long way off being settled and at his best. Despite injuries and never ending dramas, we’ve won three out of our last four in the PL – anyone calling for the Manager’s head right now clearly hasn’t been paying attention over the last few seasons. Let’s keep the faith, trust Erik, trust the process and just give it time. I love Bill Murray films, but the idea of Man Utd ending up as the footballing equivalent of Groundhog Day really doesn’t appeal.