Manchester United fans have come out to claim the “system is against us” after their side dramatically lost to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 8.
The chaotic match saw seven goals go in as the Red Devils blew a two-goal lead in a devastating second-half collapse.
Everything seemed to change for Erik ten Hag’s side after the dismissal of Marcus Rashford, who was sent off for planting his foot on the ankle of Elias Jelert.
The visitors looked comfortable inside the first half as Rasmus Hojlund put them two goals to the good with close-range finishes.
Referee Donatas Rumsas then made a game-changing call in the 42nd minute as he was alerted of Rashford’s reckless tackle as the Englishman tried to shield the ball.
Wayne Rooney responds to fans after getting booed after Birmingham’s second straight loss
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Wayne Rooney responds to fans after getting booed after Birmingham’s second straight loss
The red card incentivised Copenhagen, as they managed to equalize before halftime through goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves’ penalty.
🚨 Ten Hag: “The referee has so long to make it a red card…”.
“The game is never meant to be like this, this has nothing to do with football”.
“Decisions have to be made, I accept. Three tough decisions”.
“I take positives. Even with 10 men, we are dictacting the game”. pic.twitter.com/htn0TBm1m1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 8, 2023
Bruno Fernandes restored his side’s lead via a penalty as United defied the red card, as VAR once again gave the spot kick from a handball from Lukas Lerager.
As reported by BBC, Lerager made amends for his mistake with a goal from the back post, and 17-year-old substitute Roony Bardghji hammered home what proved to be the winner in the 87th minute.
Ten Hag’s remarks as fans back him
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag, like his counterpart Mikel Arteta a few days ago, was fuming at the referee.
The gaffer was adamant that Copenhagen’s first goals shouldn’t have counted as an offside player interfered with Andre Onana’s line of sight.
He was also critical of the circumstances that led to the penalty that levelled matters at Parken.