Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag furiously blasted the officials for failing to send off Barcelona defender Jules Kounde after a challenge on Marcus Rashford.
The moment came with United leading 2-1 at the Camp Nou in the final quarter of the game in a pulsating encounter that ended 2-2. No foul was given for the challenge, that came just outside the penalty area – but the Frenchman could have been given a straight red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.
United were not able to hold on for the victory as Raphinha netted an equaliser for the Blaugrana, after a goal from Rashford and own goal from Kounde had turned the match on its head after Marcos Alonso’s opener for the home side.
It was a game which either side could have won, with United enjoying the better of the opportunities throughout the match but Barca finishing the tie the stronger of the two. It leaves the tie finely poised ahead of next week’s return at Old Trafford.
However, United boss Ten Hag hit out at the officials in his post-match interview for their failure to intervene after the Kounde challenge. VAR could not retrospectively review the challenge as it did not come inside the penalty area but they were permitted to double check over a possible red card decision.
“The referee had a big influence on this game,” Ten Hag lamented on BT Sport at the end of the match. “It was a clear foul on Rashy. If it is outside the box, then it is a red card. He is one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It is a big influence not only on this game but this round.”
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Ten Hag added, in praise of his side: “We dictated the game. Apart from 15 minutes in the first half, we dictated the game and outplayed them. We created so many chances.
“We should have scored in the first half. We created a lot of chances by ourselves. It was two attacking teams with lots of opportunities. It was two Champions League teams.
“We have a lot of character and determination. We had to score the first goal but we did not do it. We turned it around when we were down.”
The second leg will be played at Old Trafford next week – a game in which Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer will return from suspension for United. Gavi will miss the game for Barcelona through suspension with Pedri’s fitness also a concern after he limped out of the first half at the Camp Nou.
