Erik ten Hag blamed "three tough decisions" for Manchester United's 4-3 defeat in Copenhagen that leaves their chances of progressing to the Champions League knockouts in tatters.
United's Rasmus Hojlund scored twice against his former club but a red card shown to fellow United striker Marcus Rashford saw the tie swing in the Danes' favour.
Rashford was sent off after a VAR review late in the first half for catching Elias Jelert on the ankle, with Mohamed Elyounoussi quickly scoring before Diogo Goncalves levelled from the spot.
Bruno Fernandes’ penalty put the visitors back ahead in the second half, only for Lukas Lerager and substitute Roony Bardghji to score in a blockbuster conclusion to a chaotic match.
“It’s clear we’re very disappointed and because you play very good,” Ten Hag said. “I think we started the game so well. The best minutes of this season.
“We are winning the game and I think the red card changes everything. Then we concede two goals before half time, which should never have counted.
“First is offside, second a penalty and that is – in four games – four penalties against. I say three are very debatable."
Ten Hag described Rashford's sending-off as "harsh" and was annoyed by the slow motion and freeze frame shown to referee Donatas Rumsas by the VAR as he decided on Rashford’s red card.
“I think he went for the ball and the referee needs such a long time to make it a red card,” added the Dutchman.
“I think when you freeze it, it always looks worse. As I say, it takes them so long and they make a red card of it. I’m very disappointed about such decisions. I think the game is never meant to be like this.
“It has nothing to do with football. Decisions have to be made and I accept that also wrong decisions are made by some at this level."
Ten Hag said an offside player obscured goalkeeper Andre Onana’s vision when Elyounoussi scored and was aggrieved by the decision to award handball against Harry Maguire for Goncalves’ penalty.
“Three such tough decisions, you control the game and I think the game is never meant to be for that.”
The defeat leaves United bottom of Group A and knowing they will be unable to reach the Champions League knockout phase if they lose their penultimate match at Galatasaray at the end of November.
“This squad is resilient,” Ten Hag said. “The whole season, so many decisions are against us, so many setbacks for injuries.
“Every time there is a spirit, there is a fight and we will keep going because I am sure and I said to the lads it will turn – on one moment in the season it will turn in our favour.”
Copenhagen counterpart Jacob Neestrup admitted Rashford’s red card changed the dynamics of a win he felt his side deserved after their promising start to the group.
“I have never said in the first three rounds we have been unlucky,” the head coach said. “I’ve said it’s been a lack of quality.
“If there was something that was called luck in football, then we’ve got it today. But we also hunted.
“The early goal made us very, very shaky. We are the second best team on the pitch in the whole first half until the red card."
The win moves Copenhagen up to second on four points, eight behind leaders Bayern Munich who beat Galatasaray 2-1 at home courtesy of a Harry Kane brace.
Man United ratings v Copenhagen
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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
