Manager Criticizes Rashford’s Red Card and Controversial VAR Calls After 4-3 Loss to Copenhagen
Manchester United’s hopes of advancing in the Champions League were dealt a severe blow on Wednesday night as they succumbed to a 4-3 defeat against Copenhagen, and manager Erik ten Hag did not mince words in criticizing refereeing decisions that contributed to the team’s downfall.
The match took a dramatic turn when Marcus Rashford received a red card, detected by VAR, just before halftime with United leading 2-0. Ten Hag expressed his frustration at the decision, stating, “The red card changes everything. I think when you freeze frame it, it always looks so much worse, and as I say, it takes them so long, and they make a red card of it. Come on.”
Ten Hag continued to scrutinize other pivotal moments, asserting that two goals conceded before halftime should never have stood. He argued that the first goal was offside, with a player in front of Andre Onana, and the second involved a penalty that he deemed “very harsh,” emphasizing the proximity of the ball to Harry Maguire’s hand.
The Manchester United manager expressed disappointment with the frequency of contentious decisions against his team, stating, “This has nothing to do with football. Decisions have to be made, and I accept also wrong decisions are made by some at this level. Three such tough decisions (against FC Copenhagen). You control the game, and the game is never meant to be for that.”
Despite the setback, Ten Hag acknowledged the resilience of his squad in the face of adversity, pointing out that the season has seen numerous setbacks and injuries. He conveyed optimism, stating, “I said to the lads it will turn, one moment in the season it will turn in our favor.”
Rasmus Hojlund’s homecoming for Copenhagen, marked by two first-half goals against his former club, contributed to the Danish side’s comeback. Hojlund commented on the match, noting the impact of the red card on the game’s dynamics: “We controlled the game until the red card, and that changed the game.”
As Manchester United faces the challenges of being bottom of Champions League Group A, the team will look to regroup and overcome the hurdles posed by contentious refereeing decisions in their quest for success in the competition.
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