Manchester United have suffered a ‘disaster’ that will go down as the worst defeat in the club’s history.
The Red Devils failed to hold on to a 2-0 halftime lead in their 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League (UCL) Group A match against Copenhagen at Farkenstadion in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday (Sept. 9) and came from behind to lose 3-2.
With one win, three losses and three points, United slipped to the bottom of the group behind first-place Bayern Munich (12 points), second-place Copenhagen (four points) and third-place Galatasaray (four points). Munich beat Galatasaray on the same day to advance to the round of 16 early.레모나토토
United jumped out to a quick lead with back-to-back goals from ‘Denmark international’ striker Rasmus Højlund in the third and 28th minutes. After struggling in the league, Højlund had established himself as a ‘Champions Ace’ with five goals in four UCL group games.
However, the game began to unravel after striker Marcus Rashford was sent off in the 42nd minute. After falling behind to Mohamed El-Yunusi in the 45th minute, the Red Devils added another goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
United, who started the second half a man short, regained the lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty in the 24th minute, but conceded consecutive goals in the 38th and 42nd minutes through Lucas Lehrager and Rooney Bardem.
A ‘catastrophe’ in club history. Copenhagen are ‘underdogs’, ranked 43rd in the UEFA club rankings. Copenhagen have failed to score in eight of their last 10 meetings with England. United are ranked seventh.
This is the first time United have lost a game at UCL with a 2-0 lead, according to statistician Opta. The last time a 2-0 scoreline was overturned in all competitions was against Leicester City in September 2014 (3-5).
United also have the distinction of being the first team in UCL history to concede consecutive penalties in their first four group games. Habitual penalty conceding proved to be United’s undoing.
The loss was United’s ninth of the season (including cup competitions). “United have now lost nine times in their opening 17 games,” said Opta. This is the first time since the 1973-1974 season, when they were last relegated.” It’s the biggest humiliation in 50 years.
“While United may not repeat that nightmare (relegation), their recent form has been appalling,” said Sky Sports. United have conceded 30 goals in 17 games. Only Celtic and Anfield have conceded more goals in the UCL this season.