Mohamed Elyounoussi, a forward for Copenhagen, has taken aim at Bruno Fernandes for attempting to sway the referee during the Danish team’s 4-3 Champions League triumph over Manchester United. 

The former Southampton player scored six goals that evening in an exciting match that featured goals, two controversial penalty rulings, and a sending off. 

United’s goal after the interval gave them the lead back after Copenhagen’s incredible comeback from a two-goal deficit in the first half. Fernandes took the spot kick, ‘whining’ to the referees, as Elyounoussi claims he is accustomed to. 

The 29-year-old was spotted speaking with the Portuguese midfielder in an attempt to make sense of the post-match situation. 

“I think everyone who has seen United and who has seen him knows that he is a player who is always with the referees complaining and whining,’ he said.

‘I tried to get him away from the referee. I said: “It’s done”. It was nothing more than that. I don’t like players who go forward and try to influence the referees.”

Wednesday’s match started off so well for the opposition, as Rasmus Hojlund’s brace gave them a decisive 2-0 lead. 

But after Marcus Rashford was sent off for a violent foul, Copenhagen found a way back into the game, and thanks to goals from Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves, they were back on level terms at the end of a protracted stoppage time.

Despite the loss, United were certain in the second half and took the lead again thanks to a penalty kick from Fernandes. However, Lukas Lerage and Roony Bardghji’s late efforts sealed the win. 

After four games, United’s defeat drops them to the bottom of the group, ahead of matches against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich.  

At Parken Stadium, a distraught Fernandes was seen holding his head in his hands. Although he acknowledged that the atmosphere in the locker room was “not the best,” he supported their effort despite losing.