Ten Hag Concedes Top-Four Race, Blasts Inconsistent Refereeing After Burnley Draw
Manchester United’s Champions League hopes were dealt a heavy blow after a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Old Trafford. Manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged the uphill battle and criticized the officiating by referee John Brooks.
United Held Back by Late Penalty
Despite creating numerous chances, United could only manage a draw. Antony’s 79th-minute goal was cancelled out by a Burnley penalty ten minutes later, awarded for a foul by Andre Onana.
Europa League Looks Most Likely
The result leaves United 12 points adrift of the top four with just a few games remaining. Ten Hag conceded that Europa League qualification is now the most realistic target.
“That is the facts,” Ten Hag admitted to Match of the Day. “It is not easy to get fourth when you’re so far behind. We needed to win. The past few weeks we’ve gotten into winning positions and then given it away. The gap is too big in this phase of the season.”
Ten Hag Unhappy with Officiating
While Ten Hag accepted the Burnley penalty, he strongly disagreed with the lack of a penalty awarded to United for a similar handball incident. He also questioned the consistency of refereeing decisions throughout the season.
“The refereeing is really inconsistent,” Ten Hag said. “If you take the penalty last week against Aaron Wan-Bissaka, why wasn’t today? There was a minimum of one penalty against [Alejandro] Garnacho.”
In a separate interview, Ten Hag elaborated on his frustration with the perceived bias against United.
“Very [inconsistent],” he replied. “We concede penalties, all debatable, against Chelsea, against Liverpool, against Coventry City. And now again. It’s a lot against Manchester United, and that feels really inconsistent.”
While acknowledging the Burnley penalty as a fair decision, Ten Hag called for consistency from the officials.
“But then be consistent, and especially the one with the handball. If I assess the penalty from Aaron Wan-Bissaka [in the FA Cup] last week, what can he do there? And what is then the handball today? It is absolutely inconsistent.”
The Dutchman concluded by questioning the referee’s accountability.
“And there is also the referee, he should take responsibility, what it means for the club and especially at this stage of the game.”
