Manchester United fans were once again left to rue missed opportunities as the club’s season hit another low with defeat to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round.
United’s deficiencies this season once again reared their head as they spurned a variety of chances to put the tie beyond any doubt.
They took the lead through Jadon Sancho’s first-half strike, just minutes after Cristiano Ronaldo sent his penalty wide of the target following a foul on Paul Pogba.
United had countless chances to extend their lead but wasted them before Middlesbrough equalised in controversial circumstances.
Despite the ball clearly coming off Duncan Watmore’s hand in the build-up, Matt Crooks’ goal was allowed to stand following a VAR review, and United couldn’t find a way back into the lead.
Bruno Fernandes came closest as he saw his effort come back off the post after pouncing on a mistake in the visitors’ defence to leave him with an open goal, but United found themselves having to go to the lottery of penalties to try and find a way through to the fifth round.
Juan Mata, Harry Maguire, Fred, Ronaldo, Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Diogo Dalot all converted from the spot, but Anthony Elanga skied his effort, meaning United’s hopes of picking up some silverware this season look to be over.
The defeat means United now only have one remaining chance of a trophy this season, with the Champions League their only hope for silverware.
But many of their efforts will be focused on ensuring they finish in the top four in the Premier League, with the race alongside Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham set to go down to the wire.
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