Hojlund: 'Man Utd lost rhythm after Rashford's red card'

Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund said that senior Marcus Rashford's red card was the turning point that caused Man Utd to lose 3-4 at Copenhagen in the fourth round of Group A of the Champions League.

"We started very well, controlling the game until the red card and that of course changed the game," Hojlund said after the defeat at Parken. "We lost the rhythm because we didn't expect to play with a man down. That gave Copenhagen belief. The fans in the stadium pushed them and gave them a huge boost."

Hojlund shone with a double against his former club. In the 3rd minute, the Danish striker opened the scoring with a close-range tap-in from Scott McTominay's cross. In the 28th minute, he completed his double with a rebound into an empty net, after Alejandro Garnacho's low left-footed shot was pushed out by goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.

Hojlund (right) in the close-range shot that opened the scoring in Man Utd's 3-4 loss to Copenhagen at Parken Stadium in the fourth round of Group A of the Champions League on November 8. Photo: X / manutd — Hojlund (right) in the close-range shot that opened the scoring in Man Utd's 3-4 loss to Copenhagen at Parken Stadium in the fourth round of Group A of the Champions League on November 8. Photo: *X / manutd*

As a result, Hojlund made history by becoming the youngest player - 20 years and 277 days - to score a brace away from home in the Champions League. He also became the first Man Utd player to score five goals in his first four Champions League games, surpassing Dimitar Berbatov's record of four goals in his first four games after moving to the club from Tottenham in the summer of 2008.

But Rashford's red card for stamping on the ankle of 20-year-old defender Elias Jelert in the 42nd minute changed the game. At the end of the first half, Copenhagen scored two goals in a row thanks to Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves to equalize.

Rashford received a straight red card after the referee consulted VAR. Screenshot — Rashford received a straight red card after the referee consulted VAR. *Screenshot*

A similar scenario played out in the second half, with captain Bruno Fernandes scoring a penalty to help Man Utd regain the lead in the 69th minute. But at the end of the half, Copenhagen scored two goals in a row thanks to Lukas Lerager and Roony Bardghji to complete the 4-3 comeback.

According to Hojlund, despite playing with one less player, Man Utd still started well in the second half, calmly controlled the ball, made good transitions and regained the lead thanks to Fernandes. "So it's a pity that Man Utd ended the match without any points," the 20-year-old striker expressed.

The defeat at Parken left Man Utd at the bottom of Group A with three points, one point behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen, and in danger of being eliminated from the group stage. In the last two matches, the "Red Devils" will visit Galatasaray in Istanbul, before hosting Bayern - the club that is sure to advance with 12 absolute points - at Old Trafford.

"The other two teams are only one point ahead so anything can happen," Hojlund said briefly about Man Utd's chances of reaching the Champions League knockout round.

Man Utd players were disappointed after the match at Parken Stadium. Photo: PA

Leading the Champions League group stage scoring charts with five goals, level with Atletico's Alvaro Morata, Hojlund has yet to score in the Premier League. The Danish striker has the chance to open his account when the "Red Devils" meet newcomer Luton Town at Old Trafford in round 12 on November 11.

Hong Duy

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