Manchester United surrendered a two-goal advantage in a thrilling 4-3 Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen.
This loss dealt a severe blow to United’s aspirations of reaching the last-16 stage, as Erik ten Hag’s team finds itself in fourth place in Group A with only three points, and two group matches left.
Meanwhile, Copenhagen is in a slightly more favorable position, occupying second place with one extra point.
Hojlund fired Manchester United to a brilliant start with his first goal just 171 seconds into the game by converting a close-range pass from Scott McTominay.
The 20-year-old striker scored once more against his former club in the 28th minute, taking advantage of a Kamil Grabara save that placed the ball right at his feet.
However, the momentum shifted when Rashford received a red card in the 42nd minute for making contact with Elias Jelert’s ankle while attempting to shield the ball.
This setback for united seemed to inject new energy into the home team and Mohamed Elyounoussi managed to score a goal just three minutes later.
Adding to the Red Devils’ troubles, Copenhagen were awarded a penalty just before halftime after Maguires handball and Diogo Goncalves slotted the ball past Andre Onana.
United briefly regained the lead when VAR awarded them a penalty for a handball which Bruno Fernandes calmly converted.
However, their fortunes took a dramatic turn in the final minutes, with Copenhagen scoring twice.
The first came in the 83rd minute when Lukas Lerager capitalized on Rasmus Falk’s cross.
Four minutes later, the 17-year-old substitute, Roony Bardghji,fired a home.
Before the match at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen fans displayed a tifo that read “Your Theatre of Nightmares,” a clever play on Old Trafford’s nickname as the Theatre of Dreams, and it turned out to be a fitting description.
United faces a challenging end to the group stage with two fixtures. They will travel to face Galatasaray, who currently sit in third place with four points, on November 29.
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On December 12, they will have a home fixture against Bayern Munich, who have already won all four of their group matches, securing their place in the last 16.