Manchester United Knocked Out of FA Cup After Shock Shoot-out Loss to Middlesbrough
News 18Ralf Rangnick claimed Manchester United were robbed by VAR after his side suffered a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship club Middlesbrough who won 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw on Friday. Jadon Sancho had put United ahead in the first half, but Matt Crooks grabbed a controversial equaliser after the interval to set the stage for Middlesbrough’s memorable upset. The FA Cup is alive and kicking!” Cristiano Ronaldo had missed a first half spot-kick for United, who have now lost seven of their last eight penalty shoot-outs, including last season’s Europa League final against Villarreal. But Sancho gave United the lead in the 25th minute, taking Bruno Fernandes’ long pass in his stride with a superb first touch and cleverly working space to drill a fierce shot that deflected in off Isiah Jones. Convinced the goal should be disallowed, United surrounded referee Anthony Taylor to protest, but VAR allowed it to stand as the offence was deemed to be accidental under a new rule introduced last year.