Erik Ten Hag was left furious that Barcelona were not reduced to 10 men after an epic encounter at the Nou Camp.
Manchester United were leading 2-1 in Catalunya when Marcus Rashford went down under a challenge from Jules Kounde in the 67th minute, as he surged towards the Barcelona goal. Rashford and United appealed for a penalty, but Italian referee Maurizio Mariani refused to be swayed and booked Red Devils' boss Ten Hag for his furious protests on the touchline.
Barca then salvaged a draw with a 76th-minute equaliser from ex-Leeds winger Raphinha, with Ten Hag and Rashford both fuming over the penalty controversy.
“At 2-1, it was a clear foul on Marcus Rashford,” said Ten Hag. “We can discuss if it's inside the box or outside the box, but definitely, it's a red card.
"I asked the referee why. He said it was outside the box and that it was no foul. The linesman and referee were in a very good position to see and I think we had VAR.
“It's not good, it was a really bad decision. Maybe they were pressed by the pressure Barca made, but they can't be at this high level of European football.
“It's a big influence, not only on this game but in this round, and referees can't make such mistakes."
Rashford, who took his goal tally for the season to a career-equalling best total of 22, was equally aggrieved over the decision.
"I've not watched it back, but I don't understand why the linesman or the referee thinks I'm going down there,” said Rashford.
"I've touched it past him, my foot is in front of the ball and he hits my leg. It's clear contact and was 100 percent a foul."
The two sides meet at Old Trafford next Thursday to determine which one goes through to the last 16 knockout stage.
