Juan Mata and Fred decided to allow the Brazilian to take Manchester United's do-or-die free kick at the Etihad - despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanting the Spaniard to take it.
United claimed a 1-0 win against Manchester City, thanks to Nemanja Matic’s first-half strike, in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
However, it wasn’t enough for the Red Devils to reach Wembley, following a 3-1 first leg defeat.
In a largely backs-to-the-walls display, United had an opportunity to level late on and take the game to penalties, when Nicolas Otamendi lunged in on Harry Maguire just outside the penalty area.
Mata, Fred and Andreas Pereira all stood over the ball, but their was surprise when the Spaniard stepped away, and Fred - who has scored just once for United since his 2018 arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk - let fly.
The ball hit the wall and with United down to 10 men, it proved their last opportunity to test Claudio Bravo.
On the touchline, Solskjaer had instructed Mata to take the opportunity.
Speaking afterwards, he explained why the United troupe had seemingly disregarded his directions.
"Juan is the best one when he feels like it,” said Solskjaer.
"But they practised yesterday [Tuesday], Juan told me Fred was unbelievable in training yesterday, he scored six or seven on the bounce and they both felt it was his moment.
"That was a decision they made there and then. Probably the right decision, [it] just didn't work out well.”
United are in action against Wolves on Saturday, when Matic, shown red for two yellow cards, will be suspended.
That could hand a debut in midfield to Bruno Fernandes, who is set to complete his move from Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, having
"Let's get the contract signed and medical done," Solskjaer said. "But the boy is fit and ready to play, I would presume.
“So let's see if we get it done tomorrow.”
