Manchester United eliminated from FA Cup by Middlesbrough 7-8 on pens

Manchester United have been eliminated from the 21/22 FA Cup on penalties. They were beaten at home by Middlesbrough, who won 8-7 in the shootout after the game ended 1-1. 

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the first half of the game, but Manchester United managed to find the breakthrough via Jadon Sancho scoring his first goal at Old Trafford. 

Duncan Watmore had handled the ball, before setting up Matt Crooks to score. And even though it was a clear handball, VAR deemed it accidental and allowed the goal to stand. It was a frustrating night for the Red Devils as youngster Anthony Elanga missed the crucial penalty to go out of the competition against the underdogs. 

Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick reflects on controversial loss 

‘We conceded a goal which I don’t understand why it stood. He controlled it with his hand,’ said a frustrated Rangnick.

‘In the moment when they scored, it was clear that VAR would not allow this goal to stand.’

‘We should have won and killed off the game in the first half – crossbar, post, missed penalty and numerous chances.

‘Bruno Fernandes’ chance was like a penalty in itself. If he has 10 chances like that in a game he will take nine of them.

‘I was more than pleased with our performance in the first half, but in the cup it’s about winning and proceeding into the next round, and we are extremely disappointed.’ 

As pointed out by Rangnick, Manchester United could have easily won the game in regulation time. But, their lack of clinical finishing cost them dearly. And in the end, they only have themselves to blame for losing out on the chance to go to the next round.