Worse than a defeat that could decide Manchester United’s Champions League season, this was almost multiple losses in one as Erik ten Hag’s hapless side found new ways to just collapse. Twice. An evening that had almost everything left United with nothing, and looking so unconvincing. It wasn’t quite defeat from the jaws of victory but farce from the semblance of competence. United somehow lost 4-3 in Copenhagen to leave themselves in danger of going out at the group stage for the third time in eight years. They are currently bottom of the group, but that only comes after they just bottomed out. United had been leading mere minutes from the end of normal time in both halves and, incredibly, twice went in behind. The second was of course the one that mattered, as Ten Hag’s side disappeared from view to the soundtrack of raucously celebrating Copenhagen fans. This was one of the greatest nights of their history. It was one of United’s most miserable recent results, which is saying something.

There were mitigating factors, such as Marcus Rashford’s contentious red card, but they don’t fully explain this. It is why the word “somehow” does a lot of the heavy lifting here, in the way United’s ponderous midfield didn’t.

The blunt truth was that this brought together many of the problems Ten Hag has been enduring from this season. Above anything, beyond the lack of tactical idea, there was the lack of conviction.

That’s where the biggest issue lies. It just should never have got to this in the modern Champions League against a club as moderately resourced as Copenhagen.

“Do you have one hour? I think first we played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game.

“We concede two goals that shouldn’t count. It is disappointing.

“Not only tonight. We have to deal with many decisions against us in other games. That’s how it is. But the season is long. At one point it will turn in our favour.

“It is harsh decision. He was going for the ball. The review was over, then he went up to the screen. I think the referee was not sure.

“After half-time it was better but the two goals should not count. The first is offside, there is a player in front of Onana. The second, what can you do about that?

“I saw lots of positives, but in the end we lose some focus. It’s hard when you play so long with 10 men.

“That was the best 20 minutes I saw from my side. Also with 10 we were still controlling the game. It’s very disappointing. We fought so hard, played so good. Still we don’t have one point.”

“Of course we started very well, we controlled the game until the red card and that changed the game of course.

“If you don’t look at result and focus on the first 20 minutes, we did quite well.

“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.

“We did quite good in the beginning of second half, we were composed on the ball. It is unfortunate we are here with zero points.”

90+5 mins: The whistle goes! Manchester United have been beaten in Copenhagen. Marcus Rashford’s red card was the game’s turning point but it was a young teenage star named Roony who decided matters.

The defeat is a huge setback for United but they’re not out of the Champions League just yet. Tougher games against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich are to come but Erik ten Hag’s men have a mountain to climb.

90+3 mins: A long ball forward drops for an enterprising Harry Maguire who puts his foot through the ball and rattles the crossbar with his strike from the edge of the box.

That was close.

90 mins: There’s going to be five minutes of added time to play in Denmark. Manchester United are appealing for another handball in the box but this one doesn’t get through a VAR check.

87 mins: Roony Bardghji! The teenager seemingly wins the game for Copenhagen.

After a fine save from Andre Onana, the hosts regain possession. The ball is swung quickly back into the box, a flick on drops the ball to Bardghji who powers it into the back of the net!

86 mins: Mason Mount is now on the pitch in place of Rasmus Hojlund. Copenhagen are the team pushing for the winner, they’ve got the advantage and have twice broken down United’s defence.

83 mins: Late drama. Lukas Lerager, who gave away the penalty, makes a fine run in behind Diogo Dalot and meets a cross that comes over to the far post.

He volleys it past Andre Onana and Copenhagen are level again!

81 mins: A wonderful press from Garnacho wins Man Utd a corner. Bruno Fernandes takes his time sweeping a plethora of objects off the pitch before setting the ball into place.

He eventually whips the ball into the box and Grabara comes to claim the ball. Maguire nudges him and the goalkeeper spills the ball, the defender puts it into the back of the net but the whistle has already gone for a foul on the goalkeeper.