TNT Sports
Manchester United should have beaten Barcelona, Jules Kounde should have been sent off - Erik ten Hag
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Published 16/02/2023 at 21:20 GMT
Marcus Rashford scored an equalising goal for Manchester United in their 2-2 draw against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie in Spain. The forward also appeared to be fouled by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in an incident that United manager Erik ten Hag believes should have seen the home side reduced to 10 men.
Ten Hag - We should have scored four and Rashford was definitely fouled
Video credit: SNTV
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes Jules Kounde should have seen red in the 2-2 draw with Barcelona he claims his side should have won.
United came from behind to lead 2-1 in the first leg of the Europa League playoff tie before they were pegged back by a Raphinha equaliser.
Ten Hag was disappointed not to have scored more, but also believes that Barca defender Kounde should have seen red for a tackle on the edge of the box on goalscorer Marcus Rashford, which might have seen the remainder of the game played out in United’s favour.
Speaking to BT Sport, Ten Hag said: “We dictated the game, apart from 15 minutes of the first half, when we had some difficulties, we dictated the game.
“We outplayed them, so many chances, so I was disappointed at half-time that it was 0-0, we should have scored.
"The belief we had to score the first goal and the meaning of the first goal is so important and that's what we didn't do.
“I really enjoyed the game, in the end it’s 2-2 and we have to finish it at Old Trafford, we have a lot of character and determination in this team, we turned it around when we were down."
Discussing the incident with Kounde and Rashford, Ten Hag said: “The referee had a big influence in this game, it was a clear foul on Rashy.
“It was a red card because he was one on one with the keeper, it’s a big influence not only on this game, but in this round, a referee cannot make this mistake.
“Rashford is in great form, but the whole team did well. It was a really good team performance, we had a lot of variation and a lot of opportunities.
“We should have won this game, if the game [at Old Trafford] is like this, I can imagine everyone will want to see this game!”
The return leg takes place on Thursday, February 23.
The winner of the tie advances to the last 16 of the Europa League.
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