Manchester United out of FA Cup after penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough

 

 

Manchester United was eliminated from the FA Cup after losing in a penalty shootout against Middlesbrough.

 

Jadon Sancho’s opening was cancelled out by a contentious Middlesbrough goal, in which the ball struck Duncan Watmore’s hand before being transferred to Matt Crooks, who tapped in the equalize at the far post.

United were eliminated after Anthony Elanga missed a crucial penalty kick at the eighth attempt, allowing Middlesbrough to win the shootout 7-8 and give one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

United have now lost seven of their previous eight shootouts, an unfavorable record given the importance of being able to play in cup tournaments and the regularity with which such events occur.

Man United could have won the game before 90 minutes, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty and Sancho and Bruno Fernandes hitting the post in the first half, but they were penalised for their sloppy finishing.