Erik ten Hag sees positives in Manchester United loss to Copenhagen, laments 'very harsh' Marcus Rashford red card

Erik ten Hag felt there were positives to take from Manchester United’s loss to FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, but was frustrated with the sending off of Marcus Rashford.

United led on two occasions, but conceded twice in the final seven minutes as the Danish side claimed a shock 4-3 win.

It was a mixed night for United, as they produced some sizzling attacking play to go two goals to the good thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.

The game flipped when Rashford was sent off in controversial circumstances for a foul on Elias Jelert, with referee Donatas Rumsas asked to go to the screen and he elected to change his decision and award a red. Ten Hag felt it was the turning point in the match.

“We played very good until the red card, but the red card changes everything,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “Then it becomes a different game. But then you concede two goals, which should never count."

He added: “I think it was a very harsh decision. I'm sure he was going for the ball. The review was over and he went to the screen and I think the referee was not sure.”

Expanding on the red card in his press conference, Ten Hag added: “When you freeze it, it always looks worse. They take so long and then make this decision.

“I am very disappointed about such decisions. The game is never meant to be like this.”

Ten Hag feels United are in a place where decisions are going against them, but expects the pendulum to swing back in their favour.

“In this moment in the season we have to deal with many decisions against us, but that is how it is and I am sure it will turn in our favour,” the Dutch coach said.

“We started the game so well, the best 10 minutes of the season, and then the red card and it changes the game.”

Expanding on why he felt Copenhagen's first two goals "shouldn't have counted", Ten Hag said: "The first is offside. There is a player in front of Andre Onana, what can you do about that?"

United conceded two goals in the final seven minutes due to defensive errors, and Ten Hag felt being under the pressure of being a man down played a part.

“I have seen a lot of positives from the game,” he said. “But in the end we lose some focus. But it is hard when you play so long with 10 men.”

United sit bottom of Group A, and in all likelihood need to beat Galatasaray in their next game to stand a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

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