Copenhagen boss ridicules Old Trafford atmosphere in dig ahead of Man Utd clash
FC Copenhagen manager Jacob Neestrup claimed the intensity at his team's Parken stadium is "times 100" what he experienced at Old Trafford.
The Danish champions are still winless in their three Champions League matches, but were close to claiming a result against Erik ten Hag's side last time out. The scores were level going into the final 20 minutes, only for Harry Maguire to put United in front before Andre Onana denied Jordan Larsson with a stoppage-time penalty save.
Copenhagen were buoyed by the Parken crowd during their last European home game, taking the lead against Bayern Munich but eventually falling to a late 2-1 defeat. Both teams could use a win as they look to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds, and Neestrup made it clear what he thinks about the respective stadiums.
"What can they expect? I can say with all the respect, I felt when I stepped into Old Trafford, I felt the historical atmosphere," the 35-year-old told reporters ahead of the game.
"But you can't compare Old Trafford with Parken, because the intensity is times 100 in terms of what we played in two weeks ago. This is a standard, for me, way above Premier League, to be honest."
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Copenhagen are looking to avoid defeat against Premier League opposition for the second straight season, having secured a goalless draw against 10-man Manchester City last term. Anything less than a win could end their hopes of taking second in the group, though, as they still have to travel to Munich in gameweek five.
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Jacob Neestrup's team fell painfully short at Old Trafford (AP)Neestrup's side have won their last two home league games, and picked up another victory away at Randers over the weekend. They trailed twice in Sunday's match, but three goals in the final half-hour gave them a 4-2 win.
Manchester United go into the game off the back of a 1-0 win at Fulham, their first win and first goal in three games in all competitions. They were without injured first-teamers Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof for the win in West London, but both have travelled for Wednesday's match.
The game will also provide an opportunity for Rasmus Hojlund to add to his three Champions League goals. Hojlund started his career in Copenhagen, while his brothers Oscar and Emil still play for the club.
"It’s about the team, about what everyone does, everyone sacrificed, ran hard, worked hard, and you could see the reaction of the players trying to win the ball back," captain Bruno Fernandes said when asked if his winner against Fulham can allow the team to kick on in midweek. "That’s what will be the change."
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