Jadon Sancho has leapt to the defence of Anthony Elanga after the Reds youngster missed the decisive penalty that Manchester United exit the FA Cup.
The Sweden international blazed his effort over to send Middlesbrough through to the fifth round after the score finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Sancho scored the opening goal for the Reds before Boro controversially levelled as Matt Crooks was spotted to have handled in the build-up to his equaliser.
The 21-year-old labelled the disappointing night at Old Trafford as "bittersweet" after scoring at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since his summer move and sent a message to Elanga.
He said on Twitter: "Disappointed about the result last night but a bittersweet moment getting my first goal at OT.
"Head up Anthony your a top player with big potential, things like this happens (sic)."
The penalty heartache for Ralf Rangnick's side sees their wait for a trophy extend to the fifth year after last tasting silverware success in 2017 in the Europa League when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
Following the miss from 12 yards, Elanga - who has impressed since the German took charge - was subject to vile online racist abuse on social media.
But in light of the defeat, Sancho wasn't the only player to jump to the 19-year-old's defence as Marcus Rashford and Premier League player of the month David de Gea were among those looking to keep the attacker in good spirits.
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