Manchester United’s dreadful Champions League campaign continues after returning to the competition this season. The Premier League giants have faced yet another 4-3 defeat in the Danish capital at the hands of FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.
The Red Devils with 10 men failed to clinch any points in a must-win group stage game despite having the double lead at the start. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes remains confident to advance to the next round displaying a bounce back.
Bruno Fernandes talks on Man Utd’s UCL qualification in round of 16
Eric ten Hag’s side was high on confidence after coming into the Champions League Matchday 4 clash with a victory in their recent Premier League outing against Fulham FC, especially considering it came after a series of defeats.
Despite having an excellent performance, Rasmus Hojlund’s brace put his side ahead with a two-goal lead within the first 30 minutes of the first half. The Red Devils were approaching their second victory in the competition, as the first one also came against the same opposition in the first-leg fixture.
However, an absurd red card was shown to their forward Marcus Rashford in the 42nd minute of the first half for stepping on the ankle of FC Copenhagen player Elias Jelert, turning the event in favor of the home side at Parken Stadium.
The hosts capitalized on the man advantage to level the score 2-2 just before halftime. The Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes with a stunning Penalty-kick restored the lead, only to concede two goals within a 10-minute interval just before the 90-minute mark.
Captain Bruno Fernandes spoke after the loss emphasizing the importance of their remaining two fixtures to make it through to the knockout amid a disastrous campaign. He said, “We have a mountain to climb so we must climb. All together. We have two games, and we have to win those two games.”
Can Manchester United make it to the round of 16?
Manchester United set an unwanted record of their 9th defeat in the first 17 games of the season across all competitions, their worst start since the 1973/74 season when they suffered relegation from the top-tier English division. In the total of 4 group stages, they have only managed 3 points with a single win so far.
The Red Devils’ recent away defeat pushed them down to the last position in the Group A table. The English side’s chances of qualifying are very slim with Bayern Munich already securing their place as table-toppers.
Manchester United needs to secure 6 points with wins in their last two fixtures, both against challenging opposition: Galatasaray away and Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
Do you think the Red Devils will make it to the knockouts? Share with us below.
