"The referee had a big influence"- Xavi and Ten Hag slams poor officiating as United and Barca settle for stalemate

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, was enraged that Jules Kounde, a defender for Barcelona, had not been dismissed for a challenge on Marcus Rashford.

At the Camp Nou, in a thrilling match that ended 2-2, the pivotal moment occurred with United leading 2-1. Although there was no foul called for the challenge that occurred well beyond the penalty area, the Frenchman should have been sent off for blocking a clear chance to score.

After Rashford's goal and Kounde's own goal had flipped the game on its head following Marcos Alonso's opening goal for the home team, United was unable to hang on for the victory as Raphinha scored an equalizer for the Blaugrana.

It was a game that either team could have won, with United having the better opportunities overall but Barca coming out on top in the final stages. The tie is now perfectly placed for the return game at Old Trafford the following week.

Nonetheless, United manager Ten Hag criticized the officials for their lack of action following the Kounde challenge in his post-match interview. Due to the fact that the challenge occurred outside of the penalty area, VAR was not able to evaluate it in the past, but they were still allowed to review any potential red card decisions.

“The referee had a big influence on this game,” Ten Hag lamented on BT Sport at the end of the match. “It was a clear foul on Rashy. If it is outside the box, then it is a red card. He is one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It is a big influence not only on this game but this round.”

Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez was also unhappy with the referee's decision to overlook a potential penalty after Fred appeared to have touched the ball with his hand.

Erik Ten Hag added, in praise of his side: “We dictated the game. Apart from 15 minutes in the first half, we dictated the game and outplayed them. We created so many chances.

“We should have scored in the first half. We created a lot of chances by ourselves. It was two attacking teams with lots of opportunities. It was two Champions League teams.

“We have a lot of character and determination. We had to score the first goal but we did not do it. We turned it around when we were down.”

Next week, the return leg of the tie will be played at Old Trafford, and for United, Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer will make their comebacks from suspension. Gavi will not play for Barcelona due to a suspension, while Pedri's fitness is also in question after he hobbled off the field at Camp Nou in the first half.