Manchester United have questioned the decision by an independent tribunal to allow Aston Villa to continue in the Conti Cup despite fielding an ineligible player.

Villa admitted the charge after Noelle Maritz came on as a substitute in their 7-0 win over Sunderland, despite having played for Arsenal in a previous round.

The tribunal decided to deduct Villa’s three points and award the game to Sunderland, with the consequence that United lose their status as one of two best runners-up.

United said in a statement: “We are very disappointed with this outcome, and do not understand its rationale.

“We feel that it undermines the integrity of the competition, and of the women’s game.”

The decision means that Sunderland finish as Group A winners, with Villa assuming one of the two best runners-up positions alongside Tottenham.