Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag criticized referee Andre Marriner’s performance after the Red Devils’ 1-0 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday.
Ten Hag and Shaw were sure that Brighton attacker Julio Enciso shouldn’t have been awarded the free kick that resulted in the crucial corner. After Luke Shaw handled a corner in the 99th minute, Alexis Mac Allister took the penalty and scored the winner.
The Dutch boss also bashed Marriner for failing to crack down on Brighton’s tactical fouling after the referee earlier dismissed Casemiro against Crystal Palace in the only other United game he managed over this year.
Ten Hag also highlighted United’s wastefulness in attack after Antony missed a one-on-one opportunity in the second minute and Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were denied by Jadon Steele.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the manager said:
“He (Shaw) played very well but the annoying thing is the free-kick before is never a free-kick and I have seen really bad tackles today, sometimes without whistles as well.”
“Every attack you make with perspective they kick you and then it’s a block but a fair block, it’s a free-kick, it’s a corner. Then, of course, disappointed, handball, dying seconds and you can’t react anymore.”
“It’s not about me to give a judgement about the referee. We lost this game, we made a mistake in the end, and we did not take our chances but, as I said, there are some disappointments.”
United have been inconsistent upfront and the trend has continued for months. Their inability to convert chances has hurt them in crucial moments.
Ten Hag’s men had the perfect chance to seal their spot in the top four with another win but a loss here will teach them some lessons heading into the next match.
A few more wins will guarantee United’s place in the top four. However, the attackers must be on their toes in their next Premier League match against West Ham on Sunday.
