Manchester United Crash Out Of The FA Cup To Championship Side Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have advanced to the FA Cup fifth round after defeating Manchester United 8-7 in a penalty shootout.

Both sides converted their first seven spot-kicks before Lee Peltier smashed home Boro's eighth.

Anthony Elanga stepped up for United's eighth penalty and blazed it high into the Stretford End.

The teenager looked distraught as Chris Wilder's side celebrated a second shootout win at Old Trafford in the last seven years.

⚽️ Peltier nets from the spot but Anthony Elanga misses the target.

Middlesbrough: ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
United: ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✖️#MUFC | #FACup

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 4, 2022

It was a strong XI for United who have had two weeks off since their victory over West Ham.

Luke Shaw returned in defence and there was a first appearance since November for Paul Pogba in midfield.

Jadon Sancho put United ahead in the first half with a deflected strike, not long after Ronaldo had missed a penalty.

Marcus Rashford had the ball in the back of the net to double the lead but he was ruled offside.

Despite dominating in terms of clear-cut chances, Middlesbrough grew into the second half and got their reward just past the hour mark.

Matt Crooks scored a controversial equaliser after second half substitute Watmore handled in the build-up.

What a moment for @mdrcrooks! 🤩@Boro are level at Old Trafford - albeit in very controversial circumstances... 😱

🏆 @EmiratesFACup | #Boro pic.twitter.com/MstTRlhXGW

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 4, 2022

Watmore attempted to chip Dean Henderson but his effort was going wide, so Crooks touched home into an open net.

VAR judged it to be 'accidental handball' and because the former Sunderland man didn't score, the goal was allowed to stand.

Bruno Fernandes hit the post moments later as United attempted to find a winner.

The best chance of extra time fell to Phil Jones in the dying seconds, but Fernandes' cross was hit with too much venom and he turned over.

United's only chance of silverware this season is the Champions League, but that is a massive stretch given their form this campaign.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are challenging for a play-off place.