When it comes to Manchester United this season, they might well feel that things have gone against them at the worst possible moment. The Marcus Rashford red card against Copenhagen tonight was the latest example.
Erik ten Hag's side were in cruise control for much of the opening half, playing well and finding themselves 2-0 up on the back of a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.
However, things soon took a turn.
It all started with the red card given to Marcus Rashford in the 42nd minute, with the forward being penalised for a studs up challenge just outside his own box. There was very little intent on Rashford's behalf, with the player attempting to shield the ball from the opposition. In saying that, contact with the studs above the ankle was always likely to result in a sending off once VAR intervened.
𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃! 🟥
Marcus Rashford sent for a horrible tackle on Elias Jelert!#FCKMUN | #UCL pic.twitter.com/ILBBKzXPwK— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 8, 2023
Copenhagen scored just three minutes after the red card, going on to equalise from the penalty spot in injury time. It came via the penalty spot after Harry Maguire handled the ball in the box.
All of a sudden, it was 2-2 heading into the break.
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Irish & English pundits differ on Marcus Rashford red card
This red card has caused plenty of debate.
There was very little intent from Marcus Rashford on this occasion, although whether intent even matter in the modern game can be debated. In the end, challenges are judged by the contact made as opposed to the intention of the player.
When it comes to pundits, opinion is certainly split.
Speaking on TNT Sport, both Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes said there was no way it was a red card.
Hargreaves: Not in a million years (is it a red card). Marcus is just trying to put his leg in front of the ball. He's not even looking at the ball. When you see a still as a referee, it looks horrendous. It's not malicious, it's not serious foul play...
Scholes: Rashford has planted his foot to protect the ball, he isn’t even looking at the kid. This is where the ref’s understanding of the game needs to come into question.
However, there was a very different reaction on Irish television.
Speaking on Virgin Media, both Mick McCarthy and Richard Dunne said that this was a clearcut red card in the modern game.
"I could argue that when I played, you might not even get booked. When Rich played, he might've got a yellow. But that's a sending off now!"
"He could've snapped his ankle! It's a bad tackle."
Mick McCarthy and Richard Dunne on Marcus Rashford's sending off.#FCKMUN #UCL pic.twitter.com/xewvLqpkJn— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 8, 2023
McCarthy: That's a sending off now, he has gone right over the top of the ball. He has gone to stop him getting the ball, it's an awful tackle...
He could have broke his ankle, there's no doubt about that. The striker's union may say 'he has gone for the ball', but he has gone right over the top of the ball and he could have snapped his ankle. It's a bad tackle and it's a sending off.
Dunne: You see forwards do it all the time. They put their leg across the player to win penalties and free-kicks. ON this occasion he put his leg across the player, but he managed to catch the player when he was going it. It's a certain red card.
The Manchester United links held by Scholes and Hargreaves may cloud their judgement somewhat, they were not the only high profile pundits to disagree with the decision.
Both Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright felt that Marcus Rashford should not have been sent off on this occasion.
No way is that a red card for Rashford!
Hate these slow motion replays & still images that make everything look 10 times worse. #Champions_League #COPMUN— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) November 8, 2023
No chance that's a red for Rashford.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) November 8, 2023
While the red card can be debated, the way in which the players on the pitch responded in the minutes that followed will be of concern to Erik ten Hag and the Manchester United supporters.
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