Ralf Rangnick hit out at the decision to allow Middlesbrough’s equalising goal as Man United crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties at Old Trafford.
The hosts had been in complete control when Jadon Sancho put them in front, but Matt Crooks equalised in controversial fashion. A cross into the box was controlled by Duncan Watmore, bounced up onto his hand and he then lobbed it over Dean Henderson for Crooks to turn into an empty net.
After a VAR review the goal was allowed to stand, as it was deemed accidental handball. United were unable to find a winner in 90 minutes and then in extra-time as it went to penalties, when Anthony Elanga missed the decisive spot-kick as Middlesbrough won the shootout 8-7.
Rangnick was hugely frustrated that Crooks’ goal was allowed to stand.
“We conceded a goal which I don’t understand why it stood,” Rangnick told ITV.
“He controlled it with his hand. How can it be accidental if he controls the ball up in the air with his hand? It was clear it should not stand but in the end I was really surprised it stood.”
“We were not well positioned in that moment, too open and allowed them the counter.”
In normal time, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were among the United players unable to take huge chances.
The interim boss rued the opportunities his side failed to convert, which came back to hurt them dearly when Elanga sent his penalty over the bar following 15 perfect spot-kicks.
“Incredibly disappointed, we should have won and killed off the game in the first half,” Rangnick said.
“Crossbar, post, missed penalty and numerous chances. It should have been 2-0 or 3-0.
“Anthony Elanga, anyone can imagine how he us, he is shattered and absolutely disappointed. It was the eighth penalty which had all converted.”
