'Referee influenced the game' — Erik ten Hag on the draw against Southampton

Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag

PREMIER LEAGUE 'Referee influenced the game' — Erik ten Hag on the draw against Southampton

Faruq Ibrahim 19:54 - 12.03.2023

Erik ten Hag criticises the officiating in his side's 0-0 draw against Southampton.

Erik ten Hag has bemoaned how much influence the referee had on his side's draw against Southampton, suggesting crucial calls did not go their way. 

Manchester United drew 0-0 against Southampton at Old Trafford after a Casemiro red card.  

Man United slip up against the Saints

The fact that Casemiro will miss the next games after receiving a red card in the 34th minute of the game further compounds Manchester United's failure to win at home against the side at the bottom of the league standings.

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Other than the red card, Manchester United also had two penalty calls they thought should have gone their way: a handball and a foul on Marcus Rashford, neither of which were deemed penalties by the referee.  

Ten Hag, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, believed his team played very well despite the red card, commending their mentality.

"Big compliments to the team,” Ten Hag said, per the BBC.

They showed big character to play so long with 10. They were physically and mentally strong to get a point."

However, he took issue with the officiating of the game and the Premier League in general. The Dutch manager first claimed his team should have gotten a penalty.

Manchester United, ManU v Southampton - Premier League - Old Trafford Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (centre) speaks to referee Anthony Taylor
Manchester United, ManU v Southampton - Premier League - Old Trafford Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (centre) speaks to referee Anthony Taylor

 "Definitely. There's no doubt. I don't know why VAR didn't interupt."

He thought unfavourable refereeing in the game affected his team and pointed out that Casemiro, who was sent off, had played over 500 games in Europe without facing the ignominy of an early shower, but has now been sent off twice in the English top flight.  

 "Casemiro played over 500 games in Europe and never once got a red card. Now he has two in the Premier League.

"His absence is not the issue. We will deal with that. This game was influenced by the referee."

'I don't want to talk about the referee' — Ruben Selles

Contrary to Ten Hag's comments, opposition manager Ruben Selles chose to remain silent on the day's officiating. 

He explains that it is a policy of his, as he did not criticise the refereeing in the cup game against Grimsby, in which his team conceded two penalties, he will not do so in this game, where his team survived two penalty scares.  

"I don't want to talk about the referee. I didn't when we condeded two penalties [against Grimsby],” Selles said.

“They are doing a good job and are under stress."

Selles also said his team tried to win the game, but he is happy with the draw they got.  

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