Manchester United's Champions League hopes are in disarray after they twice surrendered leads at Copenhagen on a remarkable evening. Rasmus Hojlund's brace and Marcus Rashford's red card for plunging his studs into Elias Jelert's ankle to protect the ball turned the game on its head and sent shockwaves through United's ranks.

Lukas Lerager converted a penalty awarded on review, before Diogo Goncalves tied the score at 3-3 before 17-year-old substitute Roony Bardghji sealed an unbelievable turnaround with her late winner.

Manchester United’s Champions League hopes are in tatters

Parken Stadion had just cleared itself of smoke from pre-match fireworks when Rasmus Hojlund, Denmark's centre-forward, was sent through on goal in this thrilling Champions League tie. Within moments he could have made history but Kamil Grabara pulled off an astounding save to deny him his potential hat-trick goal.

United's defence was on full display again as Copenhagen twice gave away leads - including one disputed penalty - before super sub Roony Bardghji sealed an extraordinary 4-3 triumph for his former club.

United have suffered another dramatic collapse this season and their Champions League hopes are now hanging by a thread. Under Erik ten Hag, United no longer have an air of invincibility that was so characteristic during Alex Ferguson's trophy-laden tenure and instead appear more like an expensively assembled group than an integrated unit - something especially concerning given they face teams with budgets well under their own.

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Marcus Rashford’s red card

Manchester United's Champions League hopes are in jeopardy after Marcus Rashford was sent off against Copenhagen. Rashford was dismissed after stamping Elias Jelert during a 42nd-minute stamp due to a referral by VAR; he attempted to deflect off the ball but instead ended up stamping high on Jelert's ankle, prompting a VAR referral which resulted in him receiving his red card for stamping his foot on it and screaming his frustration upon seeing it.

The dismissal was met with much dismay and soon thereafter United conceded two further goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves to leave themselves facing an uphill climb in the second half.

Manager Erik ten Hag was left lamenting the decision which upended their game. He noted, 'The red card changed everything, and then we gave away another goal that shouldn't have counted' The match was further disrupted by an invader on the pitch, who needed to be removed by security while another fan near halfway line needed treatment for breathing difficulties.

Copenhagen’s win

Parken Stadium was transformed into "Your Theatre of Nightmares," perfectly reflecting United's fall from grace over the final 10 minutes. Marcus Rashford's red card proved pivotal, yet they still conceded two additional goals.

United were reduced to 10-men after 42nd minute for the second time this season after Rashford trod on Jelert's ankle in a challenge deemed dangerous by VAR review.

Even after suffering their initial setback, Denmark were still in control until Maguire blocked Claesson's flick with his arm, prompting the referee to award a penalty that Goncalves was saved from by Onana but Fernandes then scored with a dipping shot that hit the crossbar - creating yet another nightmare evening in Denmark that will put immense strain on Erik ten Hag who has struggled mightily to get this team playing as expected since taking over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho left, with nine losses out of 17 games all competitions to deal with since taking over as manager - something his record of 9 losses out 17 is testament enough of his failure so far compared with what it appears on paper!

United’s failure

Erik ten Hag's United appeared to have won their Champions League nightmare and get their season back on track with a crucial away victory against Denmark, until 17-year-old substitute Roony Bardghji struck late to hand them an expensive defeat.

United started well, taking a shock lead inside one minute when Rasmus Hojlund scored from Scott McTominay's cross and headed in off Scott McTominay himself to put United 1-0 up. They quickly extended their advantage by scoring again when Hojlund scored again by converting Bruno Fernandes' penalty kick.

But ten Hag's team were granted a lifeline when Marcus Rashford was sent off following a VAR review for a challenge on Elias Jelert, and took full advantage of it with two goals in quick succession: Lukas Lerager equalised in the 83rd minute before Bardghji scored his winner one minute later - dealing a significant blow to United's chances of qualifying for the last 16 and leaving them fighting Galatasaray and Copenhagen to finish first in their group.