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Manchester United’s FA Cup campaign is over after a shock defeat at home to Middlesbrough on penalties in their fourth round showdown.
United took a first half lead through Jadon Sancho’s third goal for the club five minutes after Cristiano Ronaldo missed from the penalty spot.
The hosts passed up a host of chances to put the game to bed with Middlesbrough drawing level through Matt Crooks – a goal that survived a VAR check despite claims for handball in the build-up.
After more spurned opportunities from the hosts in extra time, United paid the price on penalties with youngster Anthony Elanga missing the divisive spot kick.
Paul Pogba, playing for the first time under Ralf Rangnick won the game’s first penalty after he was clumsily wiped out by Anfernee Dijksteel. Ronaldo took responsibility for the spot kick but dragged a poor effort wide of the post much to the delight of 9000 travelling supporters.
But with United looking refreshed after the winter break, the breakthrough came after 25 minutes. Brilliantly picked out by Bruno Fernandes, Sancho, who was denied by the cross bar in the opening minutes of the contest, drilled home with the help of a deflection.
While there was more cohesion in the United display, there was a lack of cutting edge up front with Ronaldo and Rashford spurning a handful of chances to put their side out of site either side at half-time.
It offered the visitors hope. Following another missed chance from Ronaldo, Middlesbrough pounced with Crooks drawing a good save out of Dean Henderson.
United were punished sooner after with Crooks this time beating the United goalkeeper. The ball appeared to clearly strike Duncan Watmore’s arm before he found his teammate but after a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor allowed the goal to stand.
Fernandes was…
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Source : metro
