England\'s Manchester United is in dire straits. They returned to the \'Stage of the Stars\' after two years, but fell to the bottom of their group and were on the verge of elimination.
Manchester United lost 3-4 against Copenhagen (Denmark) in the 4th match of the 2023-2024 European Champions League (UCL) Group A group stage held at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark, at 5 a.m. on the 9th (Korean time). As a result, Manchester United fell to the bottom of the group (4th place) with 1 win and 3 losses (3 points). If they do not achieve a turnaround in the remaining two games, they could experience a shocking elimination from the group stage. 토토사이트
In Group A, three teams are fiercely competing for second place. \'Kim Min-jae\'s team\' Bayern Munich (Germany) won all 4 games (12 points) and confirmed its advancement to the round of 16 early on. Copenhagen, who defeated Manchester United on this day, is in second place in the group with 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses (4 points). After a slump of no wins, they got their first win against Manchester United and rose from last place to second place. 3rd place is Galatasaray (Turkiye). Although they have the same record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses (4 points) as Copenhagen, they are one level lower in goal difference.
Manchester United has fewer points than them and remains at the bottom of the group. Looking at the remaining schedule, I am more worried about the future. Manchester United leaves for Galatasaray on the 30th. This is the hellish trip to Türkiye that even the best teams in Europe are reluctant to take. If Manchester United loses this game, their advancement to the round of 16 will be thwarted.
Even if Manchester United got through the away trip to Galatasaray well, they will have to face the ‘strongest team’ Munich in the final 6th game. They will face off on the 13th of next month. Since it is Manchester United\'s home and Munich has already confirmed its advancement to the round of 16, there is a possibility that they will come out with a loss. However, the Munich squad is very solid. We cannot guarantee Manchester United’s victory.
From Manchester United’s perspective, the result of this Copenhagen match was truly shocking. They were ahead 2-0, but their defense collapsed at the end of the second half, resulting in a 3-4 defeat. Plus, luck wasn\'t on my side. On this day, Manchester United had all kinds of bad news, including team striker Marcus Rashford being sent off early in the first half and Harry Maguire\'s shot hitting the goalpost just before the end of the game. In the end, I lowered my head.
Local British media also expressed their disappointment with Manchester United\'s disappointing performance. 90MIN, a British soccer media outlet, said, "Manchester United suffered a shocking 3-4 defeat against Copenhagen. Hopes of advancing to the round of 16 have faded. Manchester United took a 2-0 lead with a goal from Rasmus Hoirun, but Rashford scored just before the end of the first half. “The situation became difficult when he was sent off,” he explained.
On this day, Manchester United used a 4-2-3-1 formation. Rasmus Høirun was the lone top player, and Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho were deployed in the second line to support the attack. In the case of Danish striker Høirun, Copenhagen is his home team. A Copenhagen youth product, he started his professional career here. Afterwards, he showed rapid growth and succeeded in entering a big club at the young age of 20.
Additionally, Manchester United adjusted the midfield of Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay. The back four were Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The goal was guarded by Andre Onana.
Copenhagen countered with a 4-3-3 formation. Mohamed Elionusi, a Norwegian striker who played for Southampton, England, played as a right-wing striker.
Manchester United and Copenhagen already faced each other in the third game on the 25th of last month. At that time, Manchester United won a thrilling 1-0. Maguire, who was in a slump, scored the winning goal and achieved a ‘great turnaround’. However, in the rematch, Copenhagen succeeded in getting revenge.
Manchester United had a good start. Hoirun scored the first goal 3 minutes into the first half. Manchester United attacked the right flank with a good development play, and Hoirun lightly pushed in McTominay\'s pass. Manchester United continued their momentum and scored an additional goal in the 28th minute of the first half. This time too, it was Hoeirun. Garnacho\'s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but Hoirun, who was next to him, shot again and hit the net.
However, unexpected bad news occurred at Manchester United. Rashford was sent off in the 42nd minute of the first half. Rashford stepped on the ankle of an opponent while trying to keep the ball during the competition. After a video review (VAR), the referee ordered Rashford to be sent off. Manchester United had to fight with 10 men for the remaining time.
What I was worried about happened. In the 45th minute of the first half, Manchester United allowed a chasing goal. Copenhagen\'s ace Elionusi scored a goal. After making up for one goal, Copenhagen pushed Manchester United even harder.
In the end, we succeeded in tying the score even before the first half was over. In extra time in the first half, Copenhagen attempted a counterattack. In the process, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane committed a handball foul in the penalty box. The referee declared a penalty kick, and kicker Diogo Goncalves calmly scored.
A fierce battle continued in the second half. Manchester United scored an additional goal in a difficult atmosphere and took the lead again. In the 24th minute of the second half, Manchester United was awarded a penalty kick thanks to a handball foul by the opponent. ‘Man United Captain’ Fernandez deceived the opposing goalkeeper’s direction and scored a goal. But Manchester United\'s joy did not last long. In the 33rd minute of the second half, Lucas Lerager scored an equalizer.
It wasn\'t the end. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Copenhagen\'s \'18-year-old star\' Rooney Bardazy allowed the winning goal. Copenhagen continued to attack Manchester United\'s side and attempted cross attacks. Following Lerager\'s equalizer, the same tactic worked once again. The Manchester United defense initially cleared the ball, but Bardazi, who was behind them, fired a fantastic left-footed volley that cut into the Manchester United goal.
Vardaji is a young player who played two UCL games only as a substitute this season. On this day, he was substituted in the second half and had a difficult opportunity, but he broke everyone\'s expectations and became the winner of the winning goal.
In Manchester United\'s final attack, Maguire\'s mid-range shot hit the crossbar and hit the ground. In the end, they suffered a shocking 3-4 defeat in enemy territory.
On this day, European statistical media WhoScored.com gave Manchester United striker Hoirun, who scored multiple goals, the highest rating of 8.1. But I couldn\'t laugh at the team\'s loss. Rashford\'s rating after being sent off was only 5.7. In Copenhagen, Bardazy had the highest rating at 7.6.