David de Gea disagrees with key referee decision in Manchester United win vs Barcelona

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

David de Gea has praised Manchester United for defeating Barcelona in the Europa League, despite conceding an early penalty.

After making a positive start to the game, United found themselves trailing 1-0 after Bruno Fernandes conceded a penalty in the 15th minute, which Robert Lewandowski converted from the spot, despite De Gea almost saving it.

Barcelona looked the better side after that setback and they led at half-time, but Erik ten Hag replaced Wout Weghorst with Antony at the break and his changes immediately paid dividends when Fred scored a well-taken equaliser. ALSO READ: Man United player ratings as Fred and Antony brilliant The comeback was complete shortly after that when substitute Antony scored in the 70th minute to make the game 2-1.

De Gea, speaking after the game, admitted he was delighted with the team's response to conceding first, but he criticised the referee's decision to award Barcelona a penalty for Fernandes' contact on Alejandro Balde in the opening stages. "It was a big game playing against one of the best teams in Europe," De Gea told MUTV. "Being 1-0 down, I've watched a replay of the penalty and it wasn't a penalty but the reaction of the team was unbelievable. "The second half was almost perfect.