Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup has claimed Alejandro Garnacho should have been sent off for his behaviour upon the Danish side being awarded a penalty.
Despite a subdued performance from Erik ten Hag’s men, United claimed a crucial 1-0 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday night, with the much-derided Harry Maguire netting the game's only goal in the 72nd minute.
Indeed, there was late drama as Andre Onana saved a penalty from Jordan Larsson, son of the former United player Henrik, with what proved to be the game's final kick.
Advert
And in the build-up to the spot-kick being taken, United winger Garnacho was spotting scuffing the penalty spot.
After the tie, Norway’s VG mentioned the incident to Copenhagen boss Neestrup, who claimed the Argentinian teenager should have been given a straight red card for the gamesmanship, and in turn, a three-match ban.
Neestrup said : “It is up to referees and associations to set limits, all you have to do is give a red card for something like that, and then people stop doing it.”
However, Copenhagen midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi was less alarmed by the incident.
Advert
Elyounoussi said: “I didn’t get it right then and there. I don’t know how much that affected the penalty.
“Jordan still got a good penalty kick, but it was a good save. It’s cynicism, it’s part of top football, you really just have to learn more from it.”
Meanwhile, despite the lacklustre display Ten Hag suggested that United had finally found their form after the dramatic win.
Advert
"It is incredible, a great night, especially in the last dying seconds we concede a penalty, which should not happen. But then a brilliant save from Andre," Ten Hag told TNT Sport.
"Slowly we have found our form this season and Harry Maguire played a very good game again and Andre as well had a very brilliant save just after half-time, which was very important.
"We conceded such a soft penalty and I think we should have had a penalty on Rashford, I do not know why that is not a penalty.
"But we dealt with it and that is a step up from a few weeks ago when we got out of rhythm, when we had some setbacks from refereeing decisions.
Advert
"But now we stayed calm after a poor first half and in the second half, we stepped up and all over, we created more chances than them. And finally, the win is justified, but it was a narrow escape in the end."
SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Football, Erik Ten Hag, Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United, Champions League