Manchester United are on the brink of an early exit from the Champions League after blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 4-3 on Wednesday to Copenhagen as Marcus Rashford was sent-off in the Danish capital.
Rasmus Hojlund looked to have come back to haunt his former club by scoring twice inside half an hour.
But Rashford's sending-off swung the destiny of the match and possibly sealed United's fate with a third defeat in four games in Group A.
Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves from the penalty spot levelled for Copenhagen before half time.
Bruno Fernandes' spot-kick briefly put United back in front, but two goals in the final seven minutes from Lukas Lerager and 17-year-old Roony Bardghji handed Copenhagen their first Champions League win since 2016.
United sink to the bottom of the group, one point behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen, with two games left to play.
The Red Devils travel to Galatasaray in three weeks' time before hosting runaway group winners Bayern Munich.
Defeat will again ramp up the pressure on United boss Erik ten Hag as a disastrous start to the season in both the Premier and Champions League goes on.
Man United ratings v Copenhagen
-
MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Needed to use his status as an auxiliary outfield player when United went down to 10, but conceded four goals. He wasn’t culpable. Reuters -
Made a run down the right and cut the ball back for McTominay to set up the first goal in front of the 36,099 crowd. United are far better with the right back in the side and he combined well with Rashford. AFP -
An early appeal for a penalty against him was rightly ignored, but a second one wasn’t eight minutes into time added on in the first half. Blocked a Copenhagen shot on the hour and it was his header that led to a United penalty. Smashed the crossbar. Booked. Reuters -
Started well, composed and calm, but came off injured after 15. A shame, he’s been doing well. PA -
Tried to combine with Garnacho with mixed results. Gave the ball to Claesson after 57 and was fortunate that he didn’t take advantage. Lerager got behind him to score the third. Sloppy. Getty Images -
Back in his homeland and reliable. Spotted speaking to Falk, who he grew up with. Came off after 54 minutes on the pitch – or half time – as United were down to 10 and needed to be more defensive. Reuters -
Assist for the opener, rolling the ball across the box. Shot over on 78 after a late Fernandes pass. Energy throughout. AFP -
Started the run to set up the second goal. Headed the ball against his own crossbar on 43 after United had gone down to 10. Ran really hard when his side went down to 10. Beautiful penalty swept into the top left corner on 69. Gave it his all. AFP -
Ran at goal and shot on target after 28. The keeper could only parry it away into the path of Hojlund who scored. Getty Images -
Nice touches, interplay and a cross to Hojlund before he received a straight red card on 42 after he lunged at Jelert’s and stood on his ankle. VAR confirmed it was a red. “Out! Out! Out!” chanted the home fans as Rashford protested to the referee. PA -
Put his side ahead after three minutes against the club who let him leave, an easy chance from a few yards out. Made it 2-0 on 28, his fifth Champions League goal in four games this season. Alone as United reverted to 4-4-1 with 10 men. AFP -
SUBS: (Evans 15') Nudged Maguire to the left-hand side of the defence. Copenhagen’s first went through his legs. Hesitant and out of shape. Getty Images -
(Eriksen 45') Gave the ball away within three minutes, then again on 64. Made amends by stopping a 63rd-minute attack. Getty Images -
(Hojlund 83') Getty Images
