Manchester United remains in the corner where the blows fall. After a dramatic start to the season, it is only 8th in the Premier League, it is out of the League Cup and after the 4-3 in Copenhagen, its fate in the Champions League also hangs in the balance. Rashford’s red card yesterday was decisive. The analysts thought it was none, coach Erik ten Hag regretted the “cruel” decision of the ref.
The young Dane Rasmus Højlund, signed from Atalanta for 70 million euros in the summer, had given the visitors from England a 0-2 lead against his ex-club after 28 minutes.
“Those were the best first 20 minutes I saw from my team,” praised Erik ten Hag. “We played very well, until that red card. That changed everything, from then on it became a different game.”
The visitors had the match under control, but a questionable red card for Marcus Rashford shortly before half-time turned everything around. After a rollercoaster, Copenhagen scored the 4-3 in the final minutes.
A big blow for United in the battle for the top 2, which advances to the knockout phase. Bayern is through with 12 points, Manchester is last with 3 points, Copenhagen is 2nd with 4 points, the same as Galatasaray.
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Hargreaves: “It’s never been red in a million years”
Rashford was sent off for putting his foot on Jelert’s ankle to protect the ball. Ten Hag did not understand the ref: “It was a cruel decision.”
“Marcus went for the ball. The review was over, but the ref went to the screen. I think the referee wasn’t sure.”
A number of English analysts supported the Dutchman: “Never in a million years was that red,” ex-United player Owen Hargreaves fumed on TNT Sports. “Marcus just wants to put his leg in front of the ball. He doesn’t even look at the ball.”
“When you see a still image as a ref, it looks awful. But it’s not malicious, it’s not foul play.”
Ex-United midfielder Paul Scholes shared the same view: “That’s where the ref’s insight has to come to the fore. It’s an accident. He’s trying to protect the ball.”
2023-2024: 17 games, 9 losses
For the first time in the Champions League, United gave up a 2-goal lead.
The English top club had its worst league start since 1962. The ground under Ten Hag’s feet became very hot after two consecutive 0-3 home defeats against City on October 29 in the league and against Newcastle on November 1 in the League Cup.
The 0-1 away at Fulham last weekend reduced the pressure, but Copenhagen was another uppercut.
Not for the first time this season after a questionable refereeing decision, the United coach stated: “That’s just how it is. But a season is a long time. At some point the balance will tilt in our favor again.”
2023-11-09 11:14:26
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