FC Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup has poured salt into Manchester United’s wounds by claiming Wednesday’s performance was his side’s worst in the Champions League this season. The Danish outfit came from behind twice to seal a memorable 4-3 victory to pile more pressure on Erik ten Hag.
United had raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to a brace from summer signing Rasmus Hojlund. But a controversial red card for Marcus Rashford changed the game before half-time.
Mohamed Elyounoussi and a penalty from Diogo Goncalves brought the hosts level before the break. United restored their lead when Bruno Fernandes scored a debatable penalty of his own in the 69th minute.
But Copenhagen again came back, with Lukas Lerager and then Roony Bardghji sealing a dramatic victory to move Copenhagen up to second in Group A. Neestrup says his team finally got what they deserved after picking up just one point from their opening three group matches.
However, in an alarming verdict for United, he admitted it was the least impressed he had been of Copenhagen. Neestrup said: “We were the second-best team on the pitch on the whole first half until the red card. That of course changed momentum for the next 15 minutes in the first half, where we scored two goals.
“I’m not satisfied with the start of the second half. Of course, the red card changed the opportunities in the game and for me as Copenhagen coach, it was by far our weakest performance in the group stage so far.
“So if you take the picture today, then we maybe didn’t deserve three or maybe even one point. But if you take it over four rounds, then it’s very, very well deserved that Copenhagen is in second place.
“Because I believe we have been the second-best team over four games. Not today, but over four games.”
