Marcus Rashford red card slammed by former Manchester United stars

With the Red Devils 2-0 up five minutes before half-time, the England forward was sent off for an accidental foul on Elias Jelert.

Rashford tried to shield the ball from the opponent, but without looking at Jelert he misjudged how he planted his foot and his studs landed just above his ankle.

After VAR encouraged the referee to have a look at a replay on the screen, Rashford was given his marching orders, but plenty of ex-pros do not agree.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Hargreaves said on whether it should have been a red card: ‘Not in a million years. Marcus is just trying to put his leg in front of the ball, he’s not even looking at he defender, he’s just trying to put his leg up so the defender bumps into it.

‘Obviously when you see it still [on the screen], it’s the first thing the referee sees when he walks over it looks horrendous. But in real time, he’s not trying to foul him. I know it looks poor, but it’s not malicious, it’s not serious foul play, it’s just a foul, it’s just clumsy, it’s not a red.’

Scholes agreed, saying: ‘I think that’s where the understanding of the referee has to come into it. It’s an accident. Marcus Rashford is trying to plant his foot, protect the ball, he’s not even looked at the kid. Accidentally he’s caught his leg.

‘This is where the referee’s understanding of the game needs to come into question.’

It’s not just former Red Devils stars who are against the decision, but Liverpool and Arsenal legends could not understand the decision either.

Jamie Carragher posted on social media: ‘No way is that a red card for Rashford!

‘Hate these slow motion replays & still images that make everything look 10 times worse.’

Ian Wright added: ‘No chance that’s a red for Rashford.’

Shortly after the red card Copenhagen were level, cancelling out the two goals Rasmus Hojlund had scored early on for the visitors.

Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Gonçalves both netted shortly before half-time and the sides went into the break at 2-2.

The second half was as wild as the first, with Copenhagen eventually running out 4-3 winners after two late goals from the home side.