FA Cup: What We Learn From Middlesbrough Defeat Of Manchester United

Championship side Middlesbrough produced a shock victory in the 4th round of the FA Cup to knock out 12-time winners Manchester United. A game that was predicted to be an easy task for the Red Devils turned out to be a nightmare as they were knocked out on penalties.

United lined up a very strong squad, leaving no margin for error as Paul Pogba made a return into the team after his last appearance in the Champions League in November 2021.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty miss in the 20th minute may with the loss turn out as one of the talking points the game. The Portuguese placed his effort wide off goal   and missed the opportunity to give them the lead. Five minutes after the rare incident, Jadon Sancho put United ahead after receiving a lofted pass from Bruno Fernandes.

The Englishman slotted home confidently to score his first goal at Old Trafford. United were wasteful during the course of the game, and their poor showing in front of goal was punished when Matt Crooks nudged the ball into the back of an empty Man United net to score the equaliser for the visitors.

It was a controversial moment as the ball seemed to have come off the hand of Duncan Watmore who provided the assist. Though the Red Devils continued to dominate, but failed to be clinical in front of goal, especially when Bruno Fernandes hit the post from a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Middlesbrough were determined not to throw in the towel and they maintained that desire, forcing the game into Penalties. 7-8 it was, in favour of the visitors as Anthony Elanga was the victim, missing the decisive spot kick for Manchester United.

Once again the Magic of the FA Cup was relived, as the Championship side Middlesbrough produced a giant-killing as they sent Manchester United packing to become the first team to advance to the 5th round of this season’s FA Cup.

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