Ten Hag furious at 'bad decision' to not send off Kounde in Man United's draw with Barca

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said the referee made a "really bad decision" in not sending off Jules Kounde for a foul on Marcus Rashford during the 2-2 Europa League draw against Barcelona.

Marcos Alonso put the hosts ahead at Camp Nou shortly after the break before Rashford and an own goal by Kounde gave United the lead in the knockout round first leg at Camp Nou. Raphinha then levelled for Barcelona when his cross eluded David de Gea.

Ten Hag was furious in the second half when Rashford went down under a challenge from last-man Kounde but referee Maurizio Mariani waved away claims for a foul and VAR backed the decision. Barcelona equalised soon after.

"I think the refereeing had a big influence in this game. It was a clear foul on Rashy," Ten Hag said. "You can discuss if it’s in or outside the box, but then [if it's outside] it’s a red card, because he was one-on-one with the keeper. So it’s a big influence, not only on this game, but in this round.

"The referee can’t make such a mistake. I asked the referee why. He said it was outside the box and it was no foul. I said I think the linesman and the referee are in a very good position to see. We have the VAR. It was a really bad decision. I can’t understand – maybe they were impressed by the pressure Barcelona made but that can’t be at the highest European level.”

Despite his disappointment at the incident, Ten Hag was pleased with his team's performance. United dominated large parts of the game, particularly after Rashford's equaliser, and have put themselves in a good position ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday.

“I think we dictated the game. Apart from maybe 15 minutes of the first half, we had some difficulties, but for the rest, we