Erik ten Hag Criticizes Refereeing Decisions in Manchester United’s Loss to FC Copenhagen
Erik ten Hag expressed his extreme disappointment with the refereeing decisions in Manchester United’s thrilling 4-3 loss to FC Copenhagen. According to Ten Hag, two goals should not have stood and Marcus Rashford should not have been sent off.
Controversial Refereeing Decisions
It was a wild night in Denmark, with Manchester United taking an early 2-0 lead before Rashford received a straight red card shortly before half-time. The decision to send off Rashford was deemed harsh by former players Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves. Copenhagen managed to equalize before half-time, with Ten Hag arguing that neither of their goals should have counted. He believed the first goal was offside and the penalty awarded to Copenhagen was too harsh on Harry Maguire for handball.
Ten Hag’s Frustrations
Despite Bruno Fernandes giving Manchester United the lead in the second half, two late goals secured a stunning victory for Copenhagen. Ten Hag felt that there was injustice not only in this match but throughout the season so far. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “We played very good until the red card but the red card changed everything. Then you concede two goals that never should count. That’s very disappointing. Not only tonight. But in this moment we are in the season and we have to deal with that, with many decisions against us. That’s how it is, I’m sure it will turn. A season is long and at one point it will turn in our favor.”
Post-Match Press Conference
Speaking in a post-match press conference, Ten Hag further criticized the refereeing decisions, saying, “In four games, four penalties against and I say three are very debatable.” Despite the loss, Ten Hag acknowledged the positives from the game but lamented the loss of focus towards the end. He said, “Very disappointing of course, we fought so hard, played so good and still don’t have one point.”
Manchester United now find themselves at the bottom of their Champions League group with two games remaining. However, they are still within reach of second-placed Galatasaray and will face them in their next match.
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