Rasmus Hojlund lamented Marcus Rashford’s red card as Manchester United fell to a shock 4-3 Champions League defeat at FC Copenhagen.
Hojlund’s brace gave United a two-goal cushion against his boyhood club but Rashford’s sending off three minutes before the break turned the tide.
Copenhagen dealt a double blow to level the scores at the interval before Bruno Fernandes’ penalty again gave Erik ten Hag’s men the lead.
Lukas Lerager then equalised before 17-year-old Swede Roony Bardghji struck a stunning winner.
Hojlund said: “We started very well, we controlled the game until the red card and that changed the game of course.
“We switched off a little bit. We didn’t think we would play with one man down.
“It gave them belief. I know how the crowd can help the team out. It gave them a big boost.
“It is unfortunate we are here with zero points.”
United sit bottom of Group A following their latest setback and must travel to Galatasaray on Matchday 5 before hosting Bayern Munich.
Despite suffering nine defeats in 17 matches in all competitions this season, former Red Devil Paul Scholes believes Old Trafford chiefs should stand by Ten Hag.
He told TNT Sport: “I still don’t feel like there’s that much pressure on Erik ten Hag.
“He had a good year and bought some time. He’s had bad injuries but nine defeats in 17 is not good enough.
“I know United have sacked before but I don’t think they can afford to keep doing that.
“Ten Hag got unlucky tonight but United put up a good fight.
“They lacked a bit of leadership. It’s not easy to play away in Europe.
“It’s just that collapsing that’s hurting them. Once they concede one it feels like another is coming. You can’t keep doing that every week.”