Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has admitted he would've expected a foul for Riyad Mahrez's challenge on Brandon Williams in the build-up to City's third goal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were comprehensively beaten 3-1 by their nearest rivals at Old Trafford in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and an Andreas Pereira own goal put City in control at half-time.
An improved second-half display saw United reduce the arrears by one as Marcus Rashford pulled one back but Solskjaer's side have it all to do at the Etihad Stadium if they're to make the Carabao Cup final.
However, United can feel slightly aggrieved that City's third goal, the own goal, was allowed to stand after a potential foul in the build-up.
Mahrez was sent racing through and after being dispossessed by Williams , appeared to nudge over the left-back, allowing de Bruyne to regain possession.
He then beat Phil Jones before his shot was saved by de Gea and hit Pereira and rebounded into the net.
Former City defender Richards has admitted that whilst it would have been a "soft" decision, it's one he would've expected to get when he was playing.
"I've seen them given, yes," Richards told Sky Sports after the full-time whistle.
"It would have been soft but as a defender, when you're running back and off-balance, sometimes the slightest little nudge can knock you just a little bit.
"I would've wanted a foul there, personally, but I can see why the referee hasn't given it."
