Another game, another poor night for Manchester United.
The Premier League club twice looked like they were on course for a vital Champions League victory in Denmark this evening, and while some decisions went against them, the way they fell apart late on in their 4-3 defeat was remarkable to see.
Despite playing the entire second half with only ten men, Erik Ten Hag's side looked to be in prime position to win the game. They got back in front from the penalty spot having initially blown a 2-0 lead just before the interval, with Bruno Fernandes converting after a Copenhagen player handled the ball in the box.
However, the drama was far from over.
Despite creating very little in the second half, Copenhagen found themselves level in the closing stages. Lukas Lerarger was the man to score the equaliser, capitalising on some poor defending from Diogo Dalot at the far post.
𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝟑-𝟑!!! 🤯
Copenhagen equalise again! What a crazy game this has been!#FCKMUN | #UCL pic.twitter.com/OLgY19p0VW— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 8, 2023
They would score the winner soon after.
This time the chance resulted from some poor passing in the defensive third from Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, with Copenhagen ultimately going on to grab the decisive goal.
𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝟒-𝟑! 🤯🤯🤯
17-year-old Roony Bardghji may have just won it for Copenhagen! What a moment in an incredible game!#FCKMUN | #UCL pic.twitter.com/w9nFCaGB6v— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 8, 2023
This leaves Manchester United's Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, sitting bottom of their group with two games to go.
READ HERE: What Roy Keane Really Said In His Infamous Prawn Sandwich Tirade
Paul Scholes feels Manchester United issue obvious in Copenhagen loss
This fixture was the latest example of Manchester United struggling to cope with adversity this season, with the team often crumbling when things start to go against them on the pitch.
Their mentality has certainly come under question in recent months, with a lack of leadership something that seems like an issue. Roy Keane recently questioned the decision to Bruno Fernandes the captaincy, with Paul Scholes the latest big name to wonder about the leaders in this team.
Speaking on TNT Sports, the former Manchester United midfielder said that this game was a clear example of where his former club were currently lacking.
"I don't think we can afford to do it anymore, I think we've got to let this fella go with it."
Has ten Hag's time run out? Paul Scholes doesn't think so following United's defeat against Copenhagen 😬
🎙️ @ReshminTV | #UCL pic.twitter.com/cDV4fhXjGv— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2023
I thought they showed fight after Marcus Rashford was sent off, wrongly sent off in my opinion. They showed fight up until the 83rd minute, where I'm a little disappointed.
You could say they did slightly crumble. Once they concede one, it seems to be another straight away. They had a 2-0 lead, then it happened again, they conceded again in the 83rd minute. [Diogo] Dalot is asleep at the back post, he needs to be aware of his attacking player it.
I don't feel there is a character in the team. They've got the England captain (Harry Mafuire) (sic), they've got Raphael Varane, there is so much experience in the team.
They need to say 'okay we conceded a goal, relax and make sure we don't concede another one'. They don't seem to have that organisation or that leader in there to stop that second goal happening.
They paid the ultimate price...
They're going to play better teams than Copenhagen, but I thought there was a little bit of fight there tonight. They're lacking that little bit of leadership. Maybe if a Casemiro was in there, things might have been different.
It's alright to concede a goal, it happens. Playing away in Europe is very difficult, but there has to come up a point where you say 'we need to stay in it', especially with ten men.
He has a point.
The way Manchester United capitulated twice in this game will be of massive concern for their supporters, especially when you consider the level of opposition that they faced this evening.
Erik ten Hag certainly has a big job on his hands if he is to turn things around this season.
SEE ALSO: Irish & English Pundits Had Very Different Views On Controversial Marcus Rashford Red Card
