"It had to be Roony", "Ten Hag called Ronaldo the 'problem'" - Twitter erupts as Manchester United suffer shock loss to Copenhagen
10-man Manchester United were on the losing end of another UEFA Champions League thriller as they suffered a 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday (November 8).
The signs were that the Red Devils were going to enjoy a comfortable night in the early stages at Parken. Rasmus Hojlund returned to his homeland and bagged a brilliant brace (3', 28').
However, drama ensued in the 42nd minute which flipped the game on its head. Marcus Rashford looked to protect the ball from Danish left-back Elias Jelert but trod on his ankle.
Lithuanian referee Donatas Rumsas was advised by VAR to look at the incident on the pitchside monitor. He subsequently handed Rashford just the second red card of his career as Erik ten Hag looked on in dismay.
Copenhagen grew into the game shortly after and Mohamed Elyounoussi got his side back into things in the 45th minute. The Moroccan winger did well to flick the ball home and beat Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
There was more controversy in the 45+7th minute when Rumsas pointed to the spot. Harry Maguire was fuming as the referee adjudged him to have handled the ball in the box. Diogo Goncalves buried the ball past Onana much to the delight of fans in Parken.
Copenhagen were questionable during the start of the second half, opting not to press the Red Devils despite their one-man advantage. It was the visitors' turn to be handed a penalty in the 68th minute.
Danish midfielder Lukas Lerager handled Maguire's header which resulted in a penalty being awarded. Bruno Fernandes showed nerves of steel to put Manchester United back in front in the 69th minute.
That lead and Ten Hag's commendable defense lasted until the 83rd minute when Lerager turned hero for the Danish side. He checked in at the back post from a delightful cross that evaded the poor Diogo Dalot and he slotted home.
Copenhagen clinched a remarkable victory and one that will live long in the memory in the 87th minute. 17-year-old Swedish attacker Roony Bardghji (of all names) smashed home in the 87th minute to leave United bottom of Group A.
The home support at Parken held a banner throughout the game which read 'The Theater of Nightmares'. It truly was a nightmare fuel for Ten Hag whose side continues to be dealt setback after setback.
One fan alluded to how the matchwinner has a similar name to Old Trafford hero Wayne Rooney:
"Hahaha it had to be Roony! United on a direct train to Europa League."
Another fan took aim at Ten Hag by recalling how Manchester United parted with Cristiano Ronaldo:
"Erik ten hag called Ronaldo the 'problem'."
Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to an unbelievable defeat for Ten Hag's Red Devils in Denmark:
Paul Scholes insists Erik ten Hag isn't under pressure at Manchester United
Paul Scholes reckons Manchester United will stick by Ten Hag despite his side's latest setback. The Red Devils icon recalled his impressive first season in which he ended a six-year trophy drought. He told TNT Sports:
"I still don't feel like there's that much pressure on Erik ten Hag. He had a good year and bought some time."
Scholes acknowledged the amount of injuries the Dutch coach has dealt with this campaign. But, he did point out that the results haven't been good enough:
"He's had bad injuries but nine defeats in 17 is not good enough. I know United have sacked before, but I don't think they can afford to keep doing that."
Ten Hag was appointed Manchester United manager on a three-year contract in June 2022. His side have started this season disastrously, sitting bottom of their Champions League group after four games and eighth in the league. They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United.