Former striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Manchester United should still be alive and kicking in this season's FA Cup after a controversial equaliser contributed to their 8-7 penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday evening at Old Trafford.
United, who had missed an earlier penalty through Cristiano Ronaldo, saw Jadon Sancho's first half strike cancelled out by Boro midfielder Matt Crooks shortly past the hour mark, when he slid in from close quarters to bring Chris Wilder's side level.
The ball fell into Crooks' path after Isaiah Jones' cross-field ball found Duncan Watmore inside the penalty area, only for him to control it off of his right foot and onto his left hand, before chipping it to his right to find Crooks.
Despite a lengthy VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand as it was deemed as accidental handball and Watmore had not put the ball in the back of the net himself.
Although the goal, in line with the current roles, was correct to stand, Berbatov believes it was "unfair," insisting United ought to still be in the competition. Furthermore, he has requested that Betfair refund people who had put money on United to win the FA Cup this term.
"Manchester United are out of the FA Cup, I saw the game and I couldn't believe they lost on penalties to Middlesbrough," Berbatov told Betfair. "I was not happy.
"United had a lot of chances, Ronaldo missed a penalty, Bruno Fernandes hit the post and it should have been a different score.
"I have to say, Middlesbrough's goal was handball, I didn't think it should have stood, not because I used to play for United but because the ball would have clearly gone in a different direction and the handball prevented that."
"I find that unfair, but I have had a word with Betfair, and they are refunding people who bet on United to win the FA Cup."
With their involvement in the FA Cup this season having reached a conclusion, United are expected to now focus all of their efforts on securing a top-four finish, despite still being in the Champions League.
This evening's tussle with Burnley will represent the Reds' first Premier League outing since October that they have entered a game camped inside the to-four at kick-off, and Berbatov has described it as a "must-win" contest.
He added: "United have a chance to correct themselves tonight against Burnley. For me, it's a must-win game.
"I hope they will take every chance they get and learn from the mistakes they made against Middlesbrough because it is an important match and they have to win to keep the pressure up in the race for a top-four spot."
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
