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Misfiring Man Utd only have themselves to blame after stunning FA Cup exit against Middlesbrough
The hosts had numerous chances to win before ultimately falling to Middlesbrough on penalties.
Manchester United will point to a ludicrous handball decision for their FA Cup exit but in truth, they only have themselves to blame.
Ralf Rangnick’s side are right to feel hard done by. Even with the change to the handball rule in the summer it seemed farcical that Matt Crooks’ goal should have been able to stand after Duncan Watmore handled it in the build-up.
It was deemed accidental according to the officials but anyone sitting in the stands at Old Trafford on Friday night could see the Middlesbrough substitute moved his left hand towards the ball to control it before passing to Crooks to finish.
But Rangnick’s side can only look at themselves as to why they are not in the hat for the fifth-round draw. They should have had the game dead and buried long before it went to extra time and penalties with teenager Anthony Elanga missing the decisive spot kick.
He was consoled by Cristiano Ronaldo as he walked down the tunnel, with Boro players celebrating alongside their 9,000 travelling supporters. Had the Portugal international not missed his own penalty in the first half, though, it might have been a different story. His effort was wide of the post and for much of the game his presence was a hindrance rather than a help.
The biggest problem for United is that this now, barring a European miracle, they look set to end yet another season without silverware. They are in a top-four battle in the Premier League, out of the Carabao Cup and now out of the FA Cup. Their only chance for a trophy is in the Champions League, where they are drawn with Atletico Madrid in the last 16.
