4 talking points as Manchester United lose 4-3 to Copenhagen (Champions League)

Manchester United sank to the bottom of the Group A table after a 4-3 loss against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Manchester United threw away a 2-goal lead after Copenhagen grabbed a late winning goal to send Erik ten Hag‘s team into further turmoil.

The opening goal of the game came within minutes of kick-off after a nice pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka allowed Scott McTominay to play a perfect cutback for Rasmus Højlund, handing United an early lead.

Read More: Player Ratings – Copenhagen 4-3 Manchester United (Champions League)

He doubled it before 30 minutes, tapping in Alejandro Garnacho’s saved effort into an open net – but the game was far from over.

A red card for Marcus Rashford before the end of the half completely changed the momentum, with Copenhagen getting one back just before regulation time was over and then equalising through a penalty deep into extra time of the first half.

With United needing to play a very careful game, the start of the second half was incredibly deliberate. Fortunately, VAR decided to shine their light in favour of Ten Hag, awarding a penalty to the club for a handball, which Bruno Fernandes duly dispatched.

However, bad defending at the back post by Dalot saw United concede another equaliser before a bouncing ball in the area was smacked home to hand the home side victory.

#1 – No surprise that service = goals for Rasmus Højlund

Manchester United’s flying start came thanks to Rasmus Hojlund’s goal, which he then doubled before half-time.

United’s first goal was the perfect description of how they can get Højlund to score goals, with McTominay’s cutback handing the young Dane an easy finish.

His second of the night was not much different, with Garnacho’s quick run and shot creating the chance – if United keep attacking, Højlund will naturally score.

#2 – United learning to suffocate opponents

The set-up before Rashford was sent off was designed to suffocate Copenhagen when they had the ball, and it was a tactic that worked well.

It was a high-pressure game, and the whole side worked in unity to make sure that Copenhagen could not breathe, and if they can learn to do this against high-calibre opposition too, it will work wonders for them.

#3 – Rashford’s red turns it all around

It was the dictionary definition of a momentum swing.

Before the 42nd minute, Manchester United were in complete control, cruising with a 2-0 lead and looking like they would secure an easy victory, but the red card meant United completely fell apart, conceding two goals in less than 10 minutes before the end of the second half.

Ultimately, it was that moment that cost United the three points on the night.

#4 – It may be the end for Manchester United’s Champions League hopes

With the club still sitting at the bottom of Group A, it will take a borderline miracle for the club to still qualify for the knockout stages of the completion.

They must win away against Galatasaray, which they have never done before, and defeat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on the final day.

The chances are slim.