Manchester United suffered a bitter defeat in Copenhagen due to Marcus Rashford’s sending off.
Manchester United lost 3-4 in the 4th match of Group A of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage against FC Copenhagen held at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark on the 9th (Korean time).
They took the lead in the first half with multiple goals from Rasmus Hoilun, but were outnumbered due to Rashford’s sending off and conceded two goals, making it 2-2. They took the lead again with Bruno Fernandez’s penalty kick goal in the second half, but fell to their knees after conceding two goals in the last minute of the second half.
Manchester United, who had won 1-0 in the last 3rd home match thanks to the great performances of Harry Maguire and Andre Onana, who had received much criticism, suffered a bitter defeat in the away game and fell to the bottom of the group. On the other hand, Copenhagen jumped to second place in the group with 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses, and 4 points.
The home team, Copenhagen, went in 4-3-3. Camille Grabara puts on goalkeeper gloves. Peter Jankersen, Denis Barbrow, Kevin Dix and Elias Yellert made up the back four. Lucas Leraher, Rasmus Polk, and Diogo Goncalves made up the midfield. Mohamed Elionussi, Viktor Claesson, and Elias Ashuri appeared as the top three at the front.
The away team, Manchester United, faced 4-2-3-1. Andre Onana guarded the goal. Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka made up the defensive line. Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay were located in midfield, while Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford worked together in the second line. The frontline striker was Rasmus Hoilun.
Manchester United quickly scored the first goal. In the 3rd minute of the first half, Hoilun struck a dagger at his home team. Following a wide play that led to Rashford Wan-Bissaka, Wan-Bissaka connected to Mattomini who penetrated the Haas space. McTominay sent a low, quick cross to Hoilun, who was on the other side, and Hoilun lightly touched the net with just a foot. There was no ceremony to honor the home team. Rasmus ran to the away stands where the Manchester United fans were and cheered and shared his joy.
In the 9th minute of the first half, a crowd holding a banner with the Copenhagen emblem burst into the stadium, causing a commotion that temporarily halted the game. The game was stopped for about a minute and then resumed.
Manchester United used a replacement card early on due to Evans’ injury. In the 13th minute of the first half, Evans complained of pain near his thigh, signaled that he could not play and requested a replacement. Raphael Varane was brought in to replace Evans, who was taken out of the stadium on his own rather than on a stretcher. Then, as problems arose in the stands, the medical team waiting at the stadium was urgently dispatched. The game was stopped for about 5 minutes, and after the situation was resolved, the game resumed.
Manchester United blocked Copenhagen’s advance with excellent positioning and efficient forward pressure. Once they won the ball, they started attacking from a high position and quickly picked up the tempo.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Bruno impressed Garnacho on the left with a perfect reverse conversion pass. However, Garnacho was unable to withstand the pressure of the two opposing defenders and lost the ball.
For the first time in a long time, Copenhagen advanced above the halfway line. Instead of lowering the line, I raised it high and looked for an opportunity. Elionusi’s low early cross came in for a moment, and it seemed like he had an opportunity as it connected with Ashuri, but Onana quickly caught it.
Manchester United got away with one more goal. Hoilun scored multiple goals in the 28th minute of the first half. In a Copenhagen attack situation, Bruno made a good cut and put the ball forward. Garnacho caught the ball, dribbled into the box, and then shot instead of connecting to Hoilun, who was rushing from the other side. Rather, this choice led to a better opportunity. Goalkeeper Grabara struck the ball away, but it fell in front of the onrushing Hoilun, who pushed the ball into the goal to make it 2-0.
Manchester United, riding on momentum, continued to push Copenhagen. In the 29th minute of the first half, Hoilun’s shot was followed by Maguire’s header from a corner kick situation. I swallowed my disappointment as I was blocked by goalkeeper Grabara.
Copenhagen faced off with the line raised high rather than lowered. In the 32nd minute of the first half, they put pressure on Manchester United through an attack on the right side. Copenhagen, who cut off Onana’s build-up, attempted a counterattack, but Varane cut it off. They then attempted to attack from the left side, but this time Wan-Bissaka blocked them with a tackle. In the 35th minute of the first half, there was a great penetration pass from midfield, but it was not connected properly and was sent out on the goal line.
As Copenhagen’s attack continued, Manchester United launched a counterattack again. Rashford attempted a counterattack after breaking the ball, and Bruno stabbed Hoilun. Hoilun went in with one defender and hit a shot with his left foot. Although he missed slightly, he headed toward the corner of the goal and narrowly missed the side of the goal.
Bad news has struck Manchester United. Before Hoilun’s shot, it was confirmed through video review (VAR) that Rashford stepped on the inside of the opponent’s ankle when cutting the ball. After the referee confirmed this, he immediately ordered a direct exit. In the end, Rashford finished the game in 43 minutes of the first half. Manchester United faced a crisis when Copenhagen’s free kick was declared. Copenhagen’s sharp free kick hit the top of the goal. Manchester United barely overcame the crisis of conceding goals. 먹튀검증