Middlesbrough dump Manchester United out of FA Cup at Old Trafford

Championship side Middlesbrough defeated Manchester United 8-7 on penalties at Old Trafford to progress to the fifth round of the 2022 FA Cup.

The Red Devils came into the match on the back of a tumultuous past week involving failed transfers for Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones, and a police investigation involving youngster Mason Greenwood.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick was able to call upon both Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba in his starting XI for the first time since his appointment at the club, with both men having missed the last few games for various reasons.

Manchester United started against Middlesbrough on the front foot and were awarded a penalty inside the opening 20 minutes when Pogba was felled by Middlesbrough man Anfernee Dijksteel.

Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up in the 20th minute and sent his spotkick wide of the right upright for only the fourth penalty miss in his Manchester United career.

The Red Devils eventually went in front through Sancho, who latched onto a brilliant ball over the top by Bruno Fernandes before smashing one home from a tight angle in the 25th minute for his first goal at Old Trafford since his summer switch.

Manchester United had a host of other chances as the half wore on, but the Red Devils failed to take their chances.

Middlesbrough caused a stir in the 64th minute as they equalised in controversial fashion through Matt Crooks. A ball into the box was seemingly handled by Duncan Watmore whose shot looped over Dean Henderson and was bundled home from close range by Crooks.

Neither side managed to score a winner, with the home side coming closest in the 72nd minute as Bruno Fernandes could only strike the woodwork when faced with a gaping goal after he was gifted possession by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Joe Lumley.

The match went to extra-time, and there was nothing to separate the sides after the extra 30 minutes, resulting in a penalty shootout.

Both sides scored each of their first seven penalties before 35-year-old Lee Peltier scored the eighth penalty for Boro and 19-year-old Sweden U-21 forward Anthony Elanga sent his effort flying above the crossbar to seal the result.

Manchester United have now lost in the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2014, when they went out at the hands of Swansea City.

The Red Devils have also never won a penalty shootout in the 152-year history of the FA Cup. Middlesbrough will proceed to the Round of 16 of the competition after the first major upset of this round.