Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has bemoaned the refereeing performance of Slavko Vincic following his side's defeat to Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford, claiming that the official 'fell for' Atleti's time-wasting tactics.
United were favourites heading into the second leg clash with Atletico, having earned a draw in the first leg and holding home advantage for the second. However, the Red Devils fell behind in the 41st minute of the game and were unable to find a way through a typically stoic Atleti backline thereafter.
The result means Man Utd are now out of every cup competition and are set to go a fifth year without winning a trophy.
Speaking after the game, Rangnick criticised the Vincic's second half performance: "I think that the referee fell for most of the their [Atletico Madrid's] time wasting antics. I can't remember when the ball was in play in the second half for more than two or three minutes without being interrupted.
"It was difficult for us, we had one or two moments from set pieces and a good chance that Jadon [Sancho] could've scored at the far post but, in the end, it was difficult in the second half."
The United boss spoke about the first half of the game too, stating that the team played 'exactly' the way he had set them up to: "We dominated the first half, we played exactly the way we wanted to play. We were on the front foot and kept the game in their half.
"We were aggressive and we could have scored when we hit the crossbar, and had another one or two good moments. But in the end, unfortunately we couldn't convert that energy into scoring one or two goals. If you then concede in that one transitional moment shortly before half-time, it doesn't make life any easier for us."
Source : 90min