Manchester United welcomed Championship side Middlesbrough to Old Trafford in the FA cup 4th round. United were unbeaten in their previous 13 matches with their guests, winning 8 and drawing 5 times. This would be the 11th time that the sides faced off in the FA Cup, with United progressing on 7 occasions.
In what was an extremely strong statistic, United had won 28 of their last 31 home FA Cup matches against sides from a lower division, including each of their last 8 without conceding a goal.
Middlesbrough had tasted victory on only 1 of their previous 10 FA cup outings against Premier League opposition: although that was in Manchester during the 2014-15 campaign, a 2-0 victory against Manchester City.
United, fresh off back to back Premier League victories, were keen to continue the momentum. An extremely strong line-up, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, signalled clear intent – United were serious about the FA cup!
The home side raced out of the blocks, confident in possession and direct in their passing, much to the delight of the partisan home crowd. It took two minutes for the first opportunity: a botched collection from Lumley falling to the feet of Ronaldo and inevitably finding the crossbar from a Jadon Sancho chip.
United continued dominantly, controlling the play and creating opportunities at will. But for a lack of clinical finishing in the third, United could have ended the tie in the opening 15 minutes.
The home side were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute, with the returning Paul Pogba brought down in the box. Up stepped Ronaldo and the ball was put to the left of the post and wide.
The pressure continued to mount and despite several squandered opportunities, a moment of class saw the Old Trafford faithful rewarded in the 25th minute. Sancho latching onto a pinpoint cross-field pass, turning the defender inside out and finishing neatly into the bottom corner.
United would have several opportunities to add to their lead but continued to see no reward for their exceptional build-up play. United were the vastly better side, and despite a goal lead, would be frustrated that they didn’t have a handful. Plenty to talk about at halftime, but there’d be no pie in hand.
The second half started in much the same manner: United moving the ball quickly, and looking menacing in attack while lacking that killer’s touch in putting the ball in the back of the net.
A little over an hour had passed before yet another talking point surfaced. A fast break from the visitors saw Duncan Watmore control the ball with his hand, before his half-shot looped over Dean Henderson and was slotted home by the oncoming Matt Crooks. Old Trafford expected a favourable return from VAR, referee Anthony Taylor had other ideas.
United responded and continued to press for their second goal. Another goal-keeping error provided the excellent Bruno Fernandes with an opportunity, but he uncharacteristically hit the post when it was nearly more difficult to do so. It was beginning to look more and more like one of those nights.
The half fizzled out in the same manner and the visitors held on to force extra time. A controversial goal setting the stage for another memorable night in the FA cup. United fans would be praying that their wastefulness in front of goal would not be their ultimate downfall.
Extra time was an unpleasant watch, as United’s tempo faded and Middlesbrough appeared content to roll the dice on a penalty shootout. The expected urgency from United never really manifested, and cries of ‘Attack, attack, attack’ reverberated across the stadium.
[moretories]
There was much possession with little to no effective penetration in the final third. The visitors enjoyed a spell in the second half and could have nicked it through Aaron Connolly. The match ended a draw and penalties were required to decide a winner. It was Henderson v Lumley and despite 120 minutes of domination, Anthony Elanga’s miss would see United exit the competition.
It’s yet another night of frustration and what if’s. United won’t understand how they’ve lost here and neither do I.
Five talking points:
1) Sancho looking confident. The winger looked like the man that was purchased from Dortmund. Cool in control and exhibiting flair with ease. Should have had a hat-trick, but his first Old Trafford goal will hopefully inspire more.
2) Bruno the Conductor. On another night, the Portuguese could have had 7 assists. He was tremendous for 65 minutes and somehow hit the woodwork when it was easier to score. Despite the result, Bruno looked sharp for most.
3) Another game without a return on a set piece. United had 7 corners in this match and looked further away than ever from converting. At what point can we enjoy a meaningful set play?
4) Toothless in attack. Was it just one of those nights or is this something more? For far too long, United have enjoyed periods of sustained pressure with no meaningful end product. It looked as though that would change tonight but it was not to be.
5) Another year without a trophy? United are now entirely reliant on European success if we are to lift a trophy. For a club of this stature, it really is a disenchanting situation.
