'Refereeing had a big influence' Ten Hag on Manchester United's game against Barcelona

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has stated his belief that wrong refereeing decisions tainted his side’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League, specifically disputing the decision not to give a free kick or penalty after a foul on Marcus Rashford in the second half of the tie. 

After the match, Ten Hag said he believed there was an obvious foul on Rashford when he was through on goal, and if a penalty was not given, then at least a red card should have been produced for a last-man foul. 

“The refereeing had a big influence on this game. I think it was a clear foul on Rashy [Rashford], you can discuss if it’s in or outside the box... okay, but then it is a red card because he was one on one with the goalkeeper.”

Ten Hag also lamented the influence of the decision, not only on Thursday’s fixture, because had a red card been shown to Joules Kounde, he would have been suspended for the return fixture in a week’s time. 

“It’s a big influence, not only on this game but in this round and it can’t be. Refereeing can’t make such mistake.”

Manchester United took a favourable 2-2 result away from Spain, but will probably still feel like they could have gotten more from the match, after missing a flurry of chances, especially in the first half. 

They will, however, also be keen to take advantage of the home field when they host Barcelona in one week, having only lost once to the Blaugrana at Old Trafford in four meetings there.

They will once again be counting on the form of Marcus Rashford, whose goal against Barcelona was his fourth in a row and 22nd in all competitions this season.