Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes that two of Copenhagen’s goals should not have stood in their thrilling Champions League encounter on Wednesday night. The Dutchman getting his way would have seen United notch a narrow victory, but instead they fell to a crushing 4-3 defeat to leave their European aspirations hanging in the balance.
Ten Hag was in need of another result after steadying the ship with a 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday. And things looked to be going according to plan when Rasmus Hojlund notched twice against his former club in the opening half an hour.
But there was controversy before half-time, with Mohamed Elyounoussi getting one back despite a white-shirted Copenhagen player standing in an offside position in front of Andre Onana, and Diogo Goncalves converting from the spot after a contentious Harry Maguire handball.
Bruno Fernandes restored United’s lead after the break, but late goals from Lukas Lerager and Roony Bardghji made sure of a memorable night for the hosts.
“We conceded two goals that should not count,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports after the final whistle. “It is disappointing. 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?”
A first-half red card shown to Marcus Rashford made United’s job even more difficult at Parken Stadium, and Ten Hag is not convinced that the referee got that decision right either.
“It is harsh decision,” said the former Ajax boss. “He was going for the ball. The review was over, then he went up to the screen. I think the referee was not sure. 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.”
United are now rock bottom of Champions League Group A, with a narrow win over Copenhagen at Old Trafford the only thing Ten Hag and co have to show from four nights of European action.
The Red Devils will be under pressure to produce in a tough trip to Galatasaray later this month. Some have questioned how much longer such a miserable run of results can continue with Ten Hag at the helm.
The Dutchman has so far been unable to find a remedy for a team seemingly lacking in ideas, despite investing heavily during the summer on players he himself recommended to the club.
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