Man United Boss Erik Ten Hag Defends Marcus Rashford After Red Card In Copenhagen

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag does not believe that Marcus Rashford deserved to be sent off in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to FC Copenhagen.

Rashford was shown the second red card of his career in the 42nd minute after a VAR review found him guilty of serious foul play for an apparent stamp on Elias Jelert.

United had been 2-0 up when Rashford left the field and his exit cost his side dearly.

Copenhagen were level by half-time and - although a Bruno Fernandes penalty briefly restored United's lead in the 69th minute - two late goals saw Ten Hag's side lose for the ninth time in 17 games this season.

Asked about Rashford's dismissal after the game, Ten Hag told TNT Sports: "It is a harsh decision. He was going for the ball.

"The review was over [very quickly], then he went up to the screen. I think the referee was not sure."

Erik ten Hag (second from left) pictured watching on as Marcus Rashford (10) is shown a red card during Manchester United's 4-3 defeat at FC Copenhagen

IMAGO/Pro Sports Images/Nigel Keene

Ten Hag added: "I think first we played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game."

Ten Hag had been critical of Rashford last week after the England striker decided to celebrate his 26th birthday in a nightclub just hours after United had lost 3-0 to Manchester City.

Rashford will now be suspended for United's final two Champions League group games but he will likely feature in the Premier League at home to Luton on Saturday.