However, worse was yet to come for United after the break, when David Silva’s close-range shot struck the leg of Lisandro Martinez before ricocheting into the Argentine’s elbow.
Italian referee Marco Di Bello wasted no time in pointing to the spot and booking Martinez, and the controversial decision was upheld upon review by VAR.
The former Manchester City star then added insult to injury by converting his penalty to put the away side ahead.
Silva’s penalty would ultimately prove to be the deciding goal of the game, and United fans took to social media in the aftermath of the defeat to question why the referee’s decision was not overturned.
@Kaus_Padney17 asked: ‘How is that even a penalty by any means? Clearly came off Martinez’s leg and a situation like that is mentioned in the rule book.’
@UTDArena agreed: ‘This penalty pretty much penalises Martinez for having arms.’
A further user added: ‘If that’s a penalty than everyone is finished. Insane decision’
@RonaldoProp expressed their frustration at the decision: ‘That’s never a penalty. We have been screwed’
Even supporters from other clubs expressed their confusion with the referee’s decision to award the away side a spot kick.
