Erik ten Hag bemoaned the decisions that went against his side as ten-man Manchester United lost 4-3 to Copenhagen in the Champions League.
United crashed to defeat in Denmark in an action-packed Group B contest, one which saw the Premier League side two goals ahead and cruising.
Rasmus Hojlund scored an early brace on his return to his former club, but the game changed when Marcus Rashford was shown a controversial red card three minutes before half-time. Hope restored, and with a significant period of first-half added time, Copenhagen were level before the break.
Mohamed Elyounoussi pulled one back for the hosts, before Diogo Goncalves scored an equaliser from the penalty spot after Harry Maguire was penalised for a handball.
The ten men of Manchester United went back ahead in the second half as Bruno Fernandes scored a spot-kick after another handball infringement, though the Red Devils failed to hold on to their lead as Copenhagen came back to claim victory.
Lukas Lerager brought the teams level once more and 17-year-old Roony Bardghji slammed home a dramatic late winner for the Danes. The defeat was the first time United had squandered a two-goal lead to lose a Champions League game, while the loss leaves Ten Hag’s team bottom of the group and facing an uphill task to secure qualification.
“Do you have one hour? I think first we played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game,” Ten Hag bemoaned to TNT Sports.
“We concede two goals that shouldn’t count. It is disappointing.
“Not only tonight. We have to deal with many decisions against us in other games. That’s how it is. But the season is long. At one point it will turn in our favour.
“It is harsh decision. He was going for the ball. The review was over, then he went up to the screen. I think the referee was not sure.
“After half-time it was better but the two goals should not count. The first is offside, there is a player in front of Onana. The second, what can you do about that?
“I saw lots of positives, but in the end we lose some focus. It’s hard when you play so long with 10 men.
“That was the best 20 minutes I saw from my side. Also with 10 we were still controlling the game. It’s very disappointing. We fought so hard, played so good. Still we don’t have one point.”
United next travel to face Galatasaray on November 29, before concluding their group stage campaign at home to Bayern Munich on December 12. The German champions are already confirmed as group winners with two games to spare.
