Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has said his controversial challenge on Marcus Rashford was a '50/50' last week.
United were leading 2-1 at Camp Nou when Rashford looked to have a golden opportunity to extend that advantage just after the hour mark last Thursday night, but he was brought down to the floor after an intervention from the French defender.
The referee Maurizio Mariani deemed the challenge not to be a foul and Erik ten Hag was incensed on the touchline.
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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.
Kounde, speaking at a press conference at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening ahead of United's second-leg match against Barcelona, was asked about the incident and he said: "I think it was a 50/50. There was contact but I think very light.
"The referee decided that it was not a red card, so I don’t feel lucky, I feel it was a decision from the referee. It’s true I could have been sent off, but it was a 50/50 and obviously, I’m really happy [to be available]."
Following the incident, United forward Rashford told BT Sport: "It's a massive moment in the game. 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."
If United defeat Barcelona, they will discover their Round of 16 opponents when the draw is made on February 24.
The first-leg of the RO16 will be held on March 9, while the return match will be played on March 16.
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