PAMedia/DPA
Copenhagen
Erik ten Hag was angered by “three tough decisions” that went against Manchester United in a chaotic late loss at Copenhagen that damages their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout phase.
Wednesday’s helter-skelter Group A encounter started with a Rasmus Hojlund brace against his former club but ended in a crushing 4-3 defeat sparked by Marcus Rashford’s red card.
The United forward was sent off after a VAR review late in the first half for catching Elias Jelert, with Mohamed Elyounoussi quickly scoring before Diogo Goncalves levelled from the spot.
Bruno Fernandes’ penalty put the visitors back ahead in the second half, only for Lukas Lerager and substitute Roony Bardghji to score in a blockbuster conclusion to a bonkers match.
“It’s clear we’re very disappointed and because you play very good,” Ten Hag said. “I think we started the game so well. The best minutes of this season.
“We are winning the game and I think the red card changes everything. 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.
“(Rashford’s red) is also harsh. I think he went for the ball and the referee needs such a long time to make it a red card.”
Ten Hag says an offside player was in Andre Onana’s vision when Elyounoussi scored and was aggrieved by the decision to award handball against Harry Maguire for Goncalves’ penalty.
The United boss was also annoyed by the slow motion and freeze frame shown to referee Donatas Rumsas by the VAR as he decided on Rashford’s red.
“I think when you freeze it, it always looks worse,” Ten Hag said. “As I say, it takes them so long and they make a red card of it.
“I’m very disappointed about such decisions. I think the game is never meant to be like this. It has nothing to do with football. Decisions have to be made and I accept that also wrong decisions are made by some at this level.
“Three such tough decisions, you control the game and I think the game is never meant to be for that.”
The defeat leaves United bottom of Group A and knowing they will be unable to reach Champions League knockout phase if they lose their penultimate match at Galatasaray at the end of November.
