Rangnick was critical of a number of refereeing decisions during Manchester United’s Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid
The Manchester United boss claimed Atletico Madrid players wasted a lot of time after taking the lead in the tie
United lost 1-0 at Old Trafford to crash out 2-1 on aggregate as the club’s silverware drought rages on

Ralf Rangnick decried a number of referee decisions after Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid.

The Red Devils were slight favourites to advance to the last eight, having managed a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano in the first leg.

However, United were fairly tame in front of goal at Old Trafford, with Atletico Madrid showing more attacking intent on Tuesday, March 15.

Notably, the home side dominated possession for large parts of the second half but were constantly thwarted by Atletico Madrid’s sturdy defence.

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In the end, it was Renan Lodi's far-post header four minutes before half-time that decided the tie, as United were forced to settle with the painful reality of another trophyless season.

Rangnick’s reaction

For Rangnick, the defeat was not satisfactory for him as the interim boss was adamant some refereeing decisions cost his side the match.

Atletico Madrid players were also accused of faking injuries to wind down the clock, as Rangnick branded the decision to only add four minutes of stoppage time a “joke”.

"It was hard in the second half and always interrupted. There was always somebody lying on the floor. I would also say some curious refereeing decisions. I wouldn't say they were decisive but at least he fell too often for those time-wasting antics and four minutes at the end added on was a joke for me." The gaffer said.

United players were also critical of the fact that no foul was given for a challenge on Anthony Elanga in the build-up to Atletico Madrid’s goal.

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"We had a few good moments where we should have scored but we didn't. Conceding that counter-attacking goal just before half time didn't make life any easier,” Rangnick went on.

Which way, United?

As mentioned earlier, the exit from Europe’s elite competition means Manchester United’s wait for silverware is set to go on beyond five years.

The last time the Red Devils won a trophy, Jose Mourinho was still in charge of the club, and it was a Europa League triumph, beating Ajax 2-0.

At the moment, United’s priority remains trying to finish in the top four, having been knocked out of every cup competition this season.

A top-four finish is not going to be straightforward for United, who face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham.

Simeone pelted with water bottles during Man United clash

In other news, Sports Brief reported of an unfortunate incident where Diego Simeone found himself in trouble with Man United fans shortly after his Atletico Madrid side eliminated the Red Devils from the Champions League.

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