The Red Devils were two up and cruising before the attacker’s dismissal led to a complete collapse in the second half, as the hosts snatched a 4-3 win

Manchester United’s Champions League hopes are hanging on by a thread after a wild night in Copenhagen that delivered seven goals, two penalties and a red card. A remarkable comeback from the Danish side means Erik ten Hag’s men now sit bottom of Group A with three points after somehow going down 4-3 on Wednesday night.

It all started well enough, as Rasmus Hojlund tapped in from close range to give United the lead after three minutes. Before the half-hour mark, the Danish striker had doubled that advantage, knocking into an empty net after Alejandro Garnacho’s shot was parried into his path.

Things started to go awry soon afterwards, though, as Marcus Rashford was sent off after a VAR review showed that he caught Elias Jelert high on his ankle with his studs. Copenhagen pulled a goal back three minutes later before the video assistant intervened again. This time it was for a handball in the United box, with the home team awarded a penalty that Diogo Goncalves converted to level matters just before the break.

United were able to slow things down in the second half and regain control despite their numerical disadvantage. Their patience paid off, too, when finally a VAR review went in their favour. It was perhaps harsh on defender Denis Vavro, who had his back to the ball when it bounced off his arm, but the referee awarded the penalty and Bruno Fernandes stepped up to smash it into the roof of the net.

Ten Hag’s team could not keep the lead, though, as the home side pushed on and pulled off an amazing comeback. Lukas Lerager tapped in the equaliser after 83 minutes and, shortly afterwards, 17-year-old Roony Bardghji capitalised on some more awful defending to steal the win with a fine finish.

GOAL rates United’s players from Parken Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (6/10):

Made a few good saves and had the command of his penalty area and there was little he coud do for the goals.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):

Overlapped on the right and was crucial in setting up the first goal and made some key defensive interventions.

Harry Maguire (6/10):

Looked okay overall and was calm on the ball but a calamitous moment gave away the penalty.

Jonny Evans (N/A):

Went off with an injury less than 15 minutes in.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

Useful on the ball on the left side but lost track of Lerager for Copenhagen’s third goal.

Midfield

Scott McTominay (6/10):

Great movement to invade the box and find Hojlund with a perfect low ball for the opening goal.

Christian Eriksen (5/10):

Saw enough of the ball in the first half but his passing wasn’t up to standard and he was drowning under the pressure following the red card. Understandably replaced for the second half.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Made some good passes and smart runs off the ball, and converted the penalty perfectly.

Attack

Marcus Rashford (3/10):

Hadn’t been great until he was sent off late in the first half for catching the ankle of an opponent.

Rasmus Hojlund (8/10):

Scored two tap-ins but his movement and positioning were excellent on both occasions, and he put his speed and strength to good use, too.

Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

Lively down the left wing, helped create the second goal but was easily dispossessed on occasion.

Subs & Manager

Raphael Varane (5/10):

Lost Elyounoussi in the box, allowing the forward to pull one back for the hosts. Also lost the ball which sparked the move for Copenhagen’s winner.

Sofyan Amrabat (6/10):

Replaced Eriksen at half-time and added stability to a midfield that sorely needed it.

Mason Mount (5/10):

Brought on late but there was little he could do as Copenhagen took charge.

Erik ten Hag (5/10):

His team started off perfectly and were dominant but capitulating at the end of each half was a massive worry, especially with pressure already building on him.