Manchester United: Erik ten Hag Laments Crucial Referee Decision On Star Marcus Rashford In Brutal Champions League Defeat

F.C. Copenhagen v Manchester United: Group A - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
(Photo : Maja Hitij/Getty Images) COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is shown a red card by referee Donatas Rumsas during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United at Parken Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration with several referee decisions that ultimately led to his team's loss against FC Copenhagen, 4-3, in their UEFA Champions League group stage fixture on Wednesday, November 8 at the Parken Stadium.

The Premier League side were able to get to a hot start, leading the game 2-0 by the 29th minute courtesy of Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund, who previously played for Copenhagen and was a graduate of their youth academy. 

However, forward Marcus Rashford was sent off in the 42nd minute after unintentionally stepping on the calf of Copenhagen right-back Elias Jelert while attempting to shield the ball. The England international was given a red card by referee Donatas Rumsas.

"We are winning the game and I think the red card changes everything," Ten Hag said after the game.

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Manchester United collapse for the rest of the evening

The English side went on to concede two quick goals before half-time, thanks to strikes by wingers Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves. Ten Hag was not happy about those.

"Then we concede two goals before half-time, which should never have counted. First is offside, second a penalty and that is - in four games - four penalties against. I say three are very debatable," Ten Hag added.

United captain Bruno Fernandes helped his team regain the lead with a penalty in the 69th minute, but additional goals from midfielder Lukas Lerager and substitute Roony Bardghji helped the Danish side complete the comeback in the final ten minutes of regulation.

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