UCL: United face Champions League exit after Copenhagen comeback

United’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League are hanging by a thread after they squandered a two-goal lead and had Marcus Rashford sent off in a 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen on Wednesday.

The hosts staged a stunning fightback, with former United player Rasmus Hojlund scoring a brace in the first half. Rashford was shown a red card for a foul on Hojlund, giving Copenhagen the momentum to turn the game around.

Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves equalised for the Danish side before the break. Bruno Fernandes briefly restored United’s lead from the spot, but late goals from Lukas Lerager and teenage sensation Roony Bardghji sealed a historic win for Copenhagen, their first in the Champions League since 2016.

United are now at the bottom of Group A, one point behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen, with two games remaining. They face a must-win trip to Galatasaray in three weeks before hosting group leaders Bayern Munich in their final match.

The loss will increase the pressure on United manager Erik ten Hag, who has overseen nine defeats in 17 games this season.