Erik ten Hag slated referee in press conference rant after Man United's draw with Barcelona

Erik ten Hag did not mince his words when discussing the referee's performance in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Barcelona.

The Red Devils played out an incredibly entertaining Europa League fixture at the Nou Camp, coming from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 after a strong second half showing.

However, a cross from Raphinha evaded everyone in the 76th minute and ensured the spoils were shared going into the second leg at Old Trafford.

But Ten Hag was furious over the referee's failure to send off Jules Kounde for a challenge on Marcus Rashford in the 64th minute.

United were leading at the time and Rashford, who notched the equaliser, was sent clear courtesy of a glorious defence-splitting pass from Bruno Fernandes.

He beat Kounde to the ball and appeared to be clipped as he ran through. Maurizio Mariani waved play on and replays of the incident showed it was actually outside the area.

However, Ten Hag could not believe Kounde did not receive his marching orders and was shown a yellow card for his protests on the touchline.

In his press conference, he continued to criticise the officials for not sending Kounde off when he was the last man.

Image: Alamy

"Also if I make make a point that has a big influence not only on this game but on this round, at 2-1, it was a clear foul on Marcus Rashford," Ten Hag said, as per Manchester Evening News.

"We can discuss if it's inside the box or outside the box, but definitely it's a red card.

"Yes, I asked the referee why. So he said it was outside the box and it was no foul. And the linesman and referee were in a very good position to see and I think we had VAR. I think it's not good, it was a really bad decision. I can't understand.

"Maybe they were impressed by the pressure Barca made but they can't be [like that at] the highest European level.

"The situation with Rashford is at 2-1, the momentum in the game is totally different. I heard it was a ball on the hand, so maybe two mistakes.

"But you can't equalise such mistakes because the moment in the game, in the whole round, was an important decision where he was wrong."

Rashford, who scored his 22nd goal in all competitions for United this term, echoed his manager's comments in a post-match interview.

Image: Alamy

"It's a massive moment in the game," he stated.

"I've not watched it back, but in the moment I don't understand why the referee would think I've gone down. It's 100% a foul for me."

The two sides will lock horns again on 23 February and if it's anything like the first leg, fans are in for a treat.

Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Barcelona, Europa League, Marcus Rashford, Jules Kounde

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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