Man United’s Marcus Rashford appeared to be brought down when through on goal against Barcelona but no foul was given.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford can’t believe Barcelona were not penalised for a foul after Jules Kounde appeared to bring him down in a controversial incident at Camp Nou.
United were leading 2-1 when Rashford looked to have a golden opportunity to extend that advantage just after the hour mark on Thursday night, but he was brought down to the floor after an intervention from Kounde.
The referee Maurizio Mariani deemed the challenge not to be a foul and Erik ten Hag was incensed on the touchline. The Dutchman vented his frustration about the incident to the assistant but his pleading saw him receive a yellow card.
Although replays subsequently showed the foul was not inside the penalty area, the general consensus was a free-kick should have been awarded, which would have meant a potential red card for Kounde, who denied a goalscoring opportunity.
After the 2-2 draw, Rashford was asked about the incident and he admitted he couldn’t believe it wasn’t given as a foul..
“It’s a massive moment in the game,” Rashford told BT Sport. “To be honest, I’ve not watched it back, but in the moment, I don’t understand why the linesman or the referee thinks why I’m going down there.
“I’ve touched it, went past him, my foot is in front of the ball and he hits my leg. It’s clear contact.
“It’s not a penalty but it’s 100% a foul for me, but like I’ve said, I’ve not watched it back.”
Erik ten Hag explains why Luke Shaw starts at centre-back for Manchester United vs Barcelona
Man United play Barcelona on Thursday and Erik ten Hag explained his starting line up ahead of kick-off at Camp Nou.
Erik ten Hag has started Luke Shaw at centre-back against Barcelona in the Europa League for tactical reasons.
The Dutchman has also started Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who lost his starting place last season but has enjoyed an impressive renaissance over recent months, instead of Diogo Dalot, which was another pre-match talking point.
United take on Barcelona at Camp Nou in the first leg of the Europa League playoff on Thursday night. United defeated Leeds 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon and Ten Hag is hoping to record back-to-back wins against Barcelona.
Shaw started at centre-back at Elland Road at the weekend and he’s retained that role to face Barcelona, which was expected, while Raphael Varane has also returned to the line up after being given the opportunity to rest.
Ten Hag was asked about that decision ahead of kick-off at Camp Nou and he opened up on his team selection.
“Yeah, he [Shaw] is [impressive], but especially I think for this game, like against City, so in certain roles, he fits very good at centre back because it allows the full-back to get high and he can defend very good in the left wide area,” he told MUTV.
“That’s the plan for tonight. That as well [left-footed player], you get better angles in your possession game and we want to dictate in and out of possession. In possession, you have better build-up.
“The experience that he [Casemiro] brings to this squad with Rapha [Varane] is huge. Everyone can learn from it, but I also think you feel more secure when they’re in your side. He [Sancho] can play between the lines and he’s capable to give a good ball.
“We want to win, go front foot, we have to be brave but not naive – I hate naive football. But we go for it. We have a good plan.”
