Ralf Rangnick slammed Slavko Vincic, saying the Slovenia referee made it “easy” for Atletico Madrid to waste time in their Champions League win over Manchester United.
Champions League: Rangnick slams Atletico’s ‘antics’ after Manchester United exit (Reuters Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ralf Rangnick was upset with the game’s referees
- Manchester United were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat
- Rangnick had few complaints about his team’s performance
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick was frustrated with referee Slavko Vincic after Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
Manchester United were eliminated by a first-half header from Renan Lodi after a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, but United players, staff and fans were constantly agitated by Vincic’s leadership.
United, who have not won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017, need to focus on a Premier League season where there is a real battle for the top four and a place in next year’s Champions League.
Rangnick was annoyed with the game’s referees but had few complaints about his team’s performance.
“I think we played a very good first half – just the way we wanted to play with a lot of energy but we couldn’t convert that into a goal or two,” he said.
“Conceding that goal just before half-time didn’t make life any easier. In the second half it was tough and interrupted again and again. There was always someone on the ground.
“I would also say some odd refereeing decisions. I wouldn’t say they were decisive but at least he fell for those time-wasting antics too often.”
It was tough in the second half and was repeatedly interrupted,” said Rangnick.
“There was always someone on the floor. I would also say some odd refereeing decisions. I wouldn’t say they were decisive but at least he fell on those time-wasting antics too often and four minutes into the end was an overtime joke for me,” he added.
United were ahead before conceding against the flow of play and they pushed forward after the break but were met by a solid Spanish defence.
“I think we played a very good first half – just like we wanted to play with a lot of energy, but we couldn’t convert that into a goal or two,” said the German. “We had a couple of good moments where we should have scored but we didn’t manage it. Conceding the goal just before half-time didn’t make life any easier,” he added.
