Rio Ferdinand slams decision to rule out Matthijs de Ligt opener for Man United

Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand has condemned the decision to rule out a Matthijs de Ligt goal against Rangers in their crucial Europa League match.

The Dutch defender appeared to have given the hosts the lead from a corner in the 24th minute at Old Trafford.

His headed attempt from a corner was disallowed by the referees due to a foul by fellow center back Leny Yoro.

It was ruled that Yoro had pushed Robin Propper off the set piece, with the VAR officials upholding the referee's fielding decision.

“I won't accept that,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

“That's so soft, he just touched him, he leaned against him lightly.

“He fell like a deck of cards.”

Fellow co-commentator Ally McCoist supported Ferdinand's views on the controversial incident.

“I don't disagree with you,” McCoist said. 'But I think once the referee gives it there's enough not to change his mind.'

Ferdinand continued his complaints about the decision on X, writing: 'Never a mistake…' and labeling the referee's decision as 'nonsense'.

After reviewing the incident at half-time, Ferdinand added that he believed the disallowed goal should have stood at '100 percent'.

“I thought it was very, very soft,” Ferdinand said. Maybe Leny will run into Yoro Propper, but I don't think that's enough contact to warrant a foul. First of all, it's a good header.

“Yoro, a light touch there and he goes there. Too easy in my book. Just a little push, nothing crazy.

“I think it should have been 100 percent the goal. I won't change my mind when I see the pictures.'

The first half at Old Trafford ended goalless after De Ligt's disallowed effort, with Ruben Amorim's team unable to make the breakthrough.

Both Man United and Rangers came into the match hoping to break into the top eight of the Europa League.

A top eight finish would guarantee automatic qualification to the last 16, eliminating the need for a two-legged play-off next month.

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