Razeen Gutta
After holding a strong Red Devils side to a 1-1 scoreline after extra time, second-tier Middlesbrough went on to score eight penalties out of eight in a nail-biting shootout to beat Manchester United.
The 4th round clash at Old Trafford was the first of a full weekend of FA Cup games, with a place in the last 16 of the oldest cup competition in the world awaiting the winners.
Manchester United came out all guns blazing with Ralph Rangnick putting out arguably his strongest possible cup side.
Cristiano Ronaldo led the line for the 12-time FA Cup champions and had an early chance to put them in the lead when Paul Pogba was fouled in the 20th minute to win United a penalty. The Portuguese planted it on the wrong side of the post as the near 10,000 away fans rejoiced.
The hosts got the lead five minutes later through Jadon Sancho and dominated proceedings thereafter.
Matt Crooks levelled the score just after the hour mark with a controversial goal. Referee Anthony Taylor ignored calls for handball, and VAR did not intervene either — Middlesbrough had their goal.
Despite having 70% of the ball and five times more chances, Manchester United failed to grab the winner. Boro held on through extra time and a penalty shootout loomed.
There was just no stopping the Championship side from the spot. It took eight penalties before a winner was determined with all but two of Middlesbrough’s outfield players attempting and converting their penalties.
Former Ivory Coast international Sol Bamba made an appearance off the bench to score from the penalty spot as well, just nine months after recovering from cancer.
The result means that United’s wait for a domestic trophy will have to continue into next season. Ralph Rangnick’s side now will turn their attention to the Premier League top four battle and, more importantly, their Champions League last 16 clash against Atletico Madrid later this month.
Image source: @Squawka
