Manchester United had a promising start to their match as they quickly scored two goals, courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund. However, the game took a drаmаtic turn after a VAR review resulted in Marcus Rashford being shown a red card in the 42nd minute.
Marcus Rashford appeared bewildered as his unfortunate red card completely altered the course of the game.
Roony Bardghji’s winning goal marked the culmination of a disastrоus night for Manchester United. While there will be valid discussions regarding the justification of the red card, it undeniably changed the dynamics of the game.Copenhagen staged an impressive comeback, leveling the score at 2-2 with goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves. The Danish team emerged tentatively after halftime, allowing United to dominate the second half. Eventually, United took the lead through a 69th-minute penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes.However, United’s numerical disadvantage proved costly in the end, as Copenhagen scored two late goals courtesy of Lukas Lerager and Roony Bardghji, securing one of the most memorable victories in their history.
Here’s a player rating breakdown from the disastrоus night for United, with the Red Devils now finding themselves at the bottom of their Champions League group.
Andre Onana – 5
Onana cannot be solely blamed for any of the four goals conceded, but it was still another forgettable night for the Manchester United goalkeeper. The team’s passing performance was far from fantastic, which was one of the reasons why he was signed in the first place.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Tonight showcased a return to form for the Manchester United right-back. He delivered an impressive performance, contributing effectively at both ends of the pitch. However, all the positive work was overshadowed by a disastrоus back pass to Onana, resulting in Copenhagen’s equalizer in the 83rd minute.
Aside from that costly mistake, he demonstrated excellent one-on-one defending throughout the match. However, it is evident that Wan-Bissaka’s technical ability remаins a weakness for him.
Harry Maguire – 6
Maguire’s hand was not in an evidently unnatural position when he conceded a penalty late in the first half. Nonetheless, he was penalized, leading to Copenhagen’s equalizer through Goncalves. While technically the correct decision based on the laws of the game, it raises questions about the original intention behind the introduction of the handball rule.
Following the penalty incident, Maguire’s defensive performance was generally satisfactory. He was unfortunate not to bring United level in the dying moments of the game when his volley struck the crossbar.
Jonny Evans – 6
Did not have anything to do during his 12 minutes on the pitch before he was forced off with ιnjury.
Unlucky to be withdrawn so early in his first Champions League game in a decade.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Lost his marker for Copenhagen’s equaliser and that’s led to United being on the brink of going out of the Champions League.
Away from that, he did offer a consistent attacking threаt down the left.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Impressive in his direct passing which allowed United to progress up the pitch quickly in the first half.
But was sacrificed at half-time for Sofyan Amrabat as United looked to add some steel to the midfield following Rashford’s red.
Scott McTominay – 6
Did well to set up Hojlund’s first goal after an impressive run into the box.
But had to adopt a much more defensive position following the red card and did not impress particularly thereafter.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Rashford’s unfortunate red card had a profound impact on the game. He began the match in a promising manner, operating as a traditional winger on the right side, which could have been a valuable asset for Manchester United in future games.
However, his evening was abruptly cut short due to a red card in the 42nd minute, drastically altering the game’s dynamics in favor of Copenhagen. Although it was evident that the forward did not intentionally tҺrust his studs into Elias Jelert’s ankle, VAR deemed the incident to be a case of serious foul play.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Fernandes scored from the spot to give United the win with ten me
Led the press alongside Hojlund very well prior to the red card and worked hard to cover the ground with ten me thereafter.
His 69th minute penalty put United ahead but he was pretty average apart from that.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Should have passed for Hojlund’s second but his shot was spilled by the keeper into his path anyway.
Did not make much of an impression following the red.
Rasmus Hojlund – 8
Rasmus Hojlund continued his impressive form in the Champions League, adding two more goals to his tally tonight. With a total of five goals in four matches, this competition is quickly becoming his favorite.
Despite being reduced to ten me after the red card, Hojlund’s brace provided Manchester United with a strong platform to build upon. Although he had limited opportunities due to the team being a man down, he still effectively led the attacking line and made the most of the chances that came his way.
