Ralf Rangnick blasts a 'joke' referee judgment after Manchester United is eliminated from the Champions League.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick was irritated with referee Slavko Vincic after Manchester United were eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday evening by Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford due to Renan Lodi's first-half header, although Vincic's officiating caused continual agitation among United players, staff, and supporters.

United, who have not won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017, must now concentrate on a Premier League season in which they will be fighting to finish in the top four and qualify for next year's Champions League.

Rangnick was dissatisfied with the game's refereeing but had few complaints about his team's performance.

"I think we played a really excellent first half - precisely how we wanted to play with a high energy level," he said, "but we couldn't translate that into one or two goals."

"Giving up a counter-attacking goal shortly before halftime didn't make things any easier. It was difficult in the second half and constantly interrupted. Someone was always lying on the floor.

"I'd also mention some odd refereeing decisions. I wouldn't say they were decisive, but he did succumb to those time-wasting antics far too frequently."

It was difficult in the second half and frequently interrupted "Rangnick stated.

"Someone was usually lying on the floor. I'd also mention some odd refereeing choices. I wouldn't say they were decisive, but he did succumb to those time-wasting shenanigans far too frequently, and the four minutes at the end were a comedy to me "He continued.

United had been on top until losing against the run of play, and they poured themselves forward after the interval but were met by a strong Spanish defense.

"I think we played a very strong first half - precisely how we wanted to play with a high energy level - but we couldn't translate that into one or two goals," the German remarked. "We got a few good scoring chances but didn't take advantage of them. It didn't make things any easier when they conceded a counter-attacking goal just before halftime "he continued