Manchester United have been beaten by four goals to three in the UEFA Champions League by FC Copenhagen.
It is difficult to put into words how the result ended up being what it was. Ultimately, United crumbled twice at the end of both halves.
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice to give us the lead in the first half, with the first goal being a magnificent team move.
Marcus Rashford was then sent off for a completely unintentional challenge. The hosts took full advantage by scoring two quick goals to level the game.
United started the second-half well, with Bruno Fernandes converting a penalty to take the lead again. But, this team has shown us countless times that they cannot hold on to a lead when it’s needed most.
Copenhagen scored two quick goals again. winning the game by four goals to three.
Let’s take a look at how the players and the manager did in this calamitous match.
Andre Onana – 5/10
Onana made four saves in this game and there was nothing he could really do for any of Copenhagen’s goals.
Diogo Dalot & Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 3/10
United’s full-backs both performed really well up until the 83rd minute when Wan-Bissaka stupidly passed the ball back to Onana, resulting in a Copenhagen corner.
From that corner, Dalot fell asleep at the back post and Copenhagen scored to make it 3-3.
A terrible few minutes from these two ended up costing United the game.
Harry Maguire & Raphael Varane – 3/10
It is difficult to rate the centre-backs any higher when they conceded four goals, with Maguire giving away a penalty in for the first goal and Varane giving the ball straight to an opposition player for the fourth goal.
Scott McTominay – 7/10
McTominay was solid in the middle of the park, completing 36 out of his 39 (92%) passes. He also assisted Rasmus Hojlund’s first goal through a great half-space run.
Christian Eriksen – 5/10
Eriksen did okay in the first half, playing a part in the way United controlled the game. He only got to half-time though because of Rashford’s red card and his struggles without the ball.
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
Back to playing at his preferred number 10 position, Fernandes was a lot more impactful creatively as he registered 3 key passes. He was also good in the press and did well to convert his penalty.
Marcus Rashford – 3/10
Extremely unfortunate for Rashford to be sent off the way he was. I am convinced there was zero intention in his action but he was punished regardless. He played well on the right up until the red card, contributing to the first goal.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6/10
Garnacho started on the left again after his bright display against Fulham. He was a constant threat on the counter. His pace and directness helped him to get a shot off that was then followed up by Hojlund for United’s second.
Rasmus Hojlund – 9/10
Mr. Champions League was at it again, scoring a brace in the first-half. Unfortunately, he was once again let down by his teammates and his goals did not matter to the final result.
Sofyan Amrabat – 5/10
The Morrocan came on at half-time and immediately helped United keep possession for the next half an hour or so. He wasn’t perfect though, as he gave away the ball in some dangerous areas and ultimately didn’t manage to help the team see the game out.
Jonny Evans & Mason Mount – N/A
Erik ten Hag – 7/10
Let’s start with the positives. United played much better in the first-half and deserved to be leading 2-0. The build-up was much better, as we saw with the first goal and how well worked it was.
I don’t think we can blame the manager for anything that happened in this game. A stupid red card, poor refereeing and players costing the team in key moments.
The only issue I had was the decision to substitute Rasmus Hojlund for Mason Mount.
That substitution was baffling as it meant we couldn’t get out of our own half. If Hojlund was too tired to carry on, it would’ve made a lot more sense to bring Anthony Martial on instead.
