Man Utd controversy as Alejandro Garnacho 'should be punished' after chaotic Copenhagen win
Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho is in the spotlight after his side's win over Copenhagen
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Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho should be punished after he seemed to tamper with the penalty spot during his side's 1-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils knew they simply had to win the match at Old Trafford after previous defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in the competition.
And Harry Maguire delivered for United, with the England international scoring the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute.
At the end of the match, however, there was drama.
👀 Alejandro Garnacho just before the penalty was taken... #UCL pic.twitter.com/SUlgrpCOew
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2023
Copenhagen were given a penalty at the death and, as they prepared to take it, Garnacho seemed to tamper with the spot.
The Argentina international rubbed his boot over the white marking and Jordan Larsson then saw his effort saved by Andre Onana.
TV4 Play presenter Olaf Lundh called for the 19-year-old to be punished for his actions.
And former Arsenal star Kim Kallstrom also let rip, insisting Garnacho's behaviour wasn't acceptable.
"What an ugly type," said the Swede.
"Ahh, I don't know... That's so childish. It's such a baby level."
United boss Erik ten Hag was asked about Garnacho's antics after his side had secured all three points.
And the Dutchman responded by saying: "I didn't see it. The referee probably didn't see it either.
"I don't know."
United were poor for large periods of their match with Copenhagen on an emotional night for many involved at Old Trafford.
Prior to kick off, Ten Hag laid a wreathe in memory of club legend Sir Bobby Charlton - who died on Saturday.
United had gone into the game on a high after recent victories over Brentford and Sheffield United.
But while they clocked up a third successive win, they were still lacklustre and fortunate to leave their stadium with all three points
Ten Hag admits United were fortunate, with Onana's late save boosting their chances of making the knockout stages of the competition.
"I'm very pleased, it was a narrow escape as we needed to win," said the 53-year-old.
"We worked very hard to get that win.
"It was a poor first half but then, to come into the game, score that goal, and then concede a soft penalty.
"So it was important as we needed a win today. I think we created some chances but we didn't take them.
"It is good that a defender is coming forward and scoring a brilliant goal, with a great assist from Christian Eriksen.
"I think we should have scored more but also we could have conceded more goals.
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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has insisted he didn't see Alejandro Garnacho incident in Copenhagen win
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"So 1-0 and I'm happy with it, a clean sheet and we scored."
On the late drama, he continued: "It's always going to be complicated. It belongs to the DNA of Manchester United.
"It was a crazy game, a nervous game for us in the end.
"I don't have an influence on that [the penalty] and you feel bad in such moments because we'd worked so hard for the win and then, just in the dying seconds, we concede the penalty and then it gives Andre the platform to show his skills.
"I think it was a great save."
Man Utd star Andre Onana produced a stunning late save to deny Copenhagen in Tuesday night's chaotic Champions League clash
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United will now turn their focus to Sunday afternoon's blockbuster clash with Manchester City.
The Red Devils lost twice to Pep Guardiola's last season, including in the final of the FA Cup.
United did, however, beat City 2-1 at Old Trafford back in January after goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.