Casemiro impressed but was at fault for Barcelona’s second goal (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United midfielder Casemiro ‘could have done better’ in the lead-up to Barcelona’s Europa League equaliser.
Following Marcos Alonso’s headed opener, Marcus Rashford struck back two minutes later in the second-half to level Thursday’s first-leg playoff clash at the Camp Nou.
A Jules Kounde own goal, forced by more good work from Rashford, gave United the lead with the visitors turning in a superb display away from home where they should have extended their lead.
They were pegged back 14 minutes from full-time however when Raphinha’s cross from the right found its way past David de Gea.
The equalising goal came when Casemiro’s misplaced pass out from the back was pounced upon by Kounde, who advanced forward and found the former Leeds United star, whose effort deceived the United defence as it hit the back of the net.
Ten Hag was quizzed on the mistake in his post-match press conference, asked if he would criticise his team for attempting brave passes.
Ten Hag replied: ‘That had nothing to do with being brave. This is a mistake, especially from the formation.’
Raphinha levelled the contest for the hosts (Picture: Getty)
Asked if he could criticise Casemiro for the mistake, ten Hag admitted the former Real Madrid star could and should have done better but insisted it was how his team was set up that caused the bigger problem.
He added: ‘I think he can have done better. But what I say, it is a team. I talk about formation, the formation is no good. That’s why the mistake is coming.’
Ten Hag was left furious with the decision to not penalise Barcelona after Kounde appeared to bring down Rashford on the edge of the box with the England star racing through on goal.
The United was hugely critical of the referee’s performance on the night, insisting Kounde should have been sent off.
‘A clear foul on Rashy. You can discuss if it’s in or outside the box, but then it’s a red card because he’s one on one with the keeper.
‘It’s a big influence not just on this game but also on the next round. Referees can’t make such mistakes.’
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United were pegged back late on in the 2-2 draw.
