Ralf Rangnick says inefficient Manchester United just have themselves to blame after making an embarrassing early FA Cup exit at home to Middlesbrough.
A year on from steering Sheffield United to a shock Old Trafford win, Chris Wilder led Championship side Boro to a lot more surprising victory as the competition's fourth round left to a spectacular start.
Jadon Sancho put United into a been worthy of lead after Cristiano Ronaldo uncharacteristically missed a penalty, however their continued profligacy in front of goal gave the visitors an opportunity to claw their way back.
Matt Crooks, a former United youth player and long-lasting fan, levelled in the second half - a controversial goal given Duncan Watmore handled prior to he crossed - and Bruno Fernandes then hit the post when he looked certain to score.The match ended 1-1 and remained so after extra-time, with United striker Anthony Elanga's missed penalty ultimately sealing Boro an 8-7 shoot-out win to the delight of the 9,500 checking out fans.
Courtney Sweetman-Kirk states that Manchester United ought to have been out of sight following their shock penalty shoot-out defeat to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
" We distributed a lot of chances, especially in the first half," United interim manager Rangnick said." We need to and might have quickly been up 3-0 after 45 minutes and even in the second half we missed some great opportunities, even after they scored their goal that shouldn't have stood.
" But Bruno's opportunity was practically like a penalty also, so we have to blame ourselves for handing out and losing a lot of opportunities in the game.
" And, in the end, if it's on penalties it's also a question of luck and in the end, we lost that game and we are all incredibly disappointed."Elanga was consoled by Ronaldo, among others, after his penalty miss, with helpful fans singing his name at the end of a night when Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard were absent.
The Uruguay striker was provided extra time off after international task and Rangnick stated Lingard requested time to clear his head after a January exit was blocked - something the player has actually rejected.
Asked if he regrets those decisions, the United manager said: "No, since he bet Uruguay on Wednesday." With the jet lag and the travel arrangements, I do not believe it would have made sense. He would not have been in the team anyhow.
" And with regard to Jesse, I informed you what my info was and my knowledge was, and obviously I would have enjoyed to have Jesse in the squad." We were one outfield player less on the team sheet today, so why should I have permitted him to have 4 or five day of rests?
" I would have loved to have had him in the team and be in the squad, however it was not the case and therefore it doesn't make good sense to discuss players who were not available."United's FA Cup exit means they now only have an outside chance of ending their five-year wait on a prize with the Champions League their only route to silverware.
United apologise to fans
On the other hand, United have actually released a statement apologising to fans after a technical concern suggested there was no food or drink offered at half-time.
The stadium announcement led for fans to call for club owners the Glazer family to leave.
A United statement checked out: "We can confirm that Old Trafford was affected by a power surge quickly prior to tonight's game and this triggered the failure of some stadium systems, consisting of tills in our food and drink kiosks. We regards regret the dissatisfaction and inconvenience this caused fans. All staying hot and disposable food was handed out for free to supporters as they left the stadium."
Sky Sports' Roy Keane speaking on ITV:
" You need to be crucial of Manchester United. Very first half, they were fantastic, however they are playing a Championship team in your home in the cup." Obviously, it's unsatisfactory. Defeat alters the state of mind. It changes the mood in the ground also.
" The fans would have been thinking they would win tonight and, being at home, I completely expected them to beat a Championship team." But now, it simply includes more and more pressure to the upcoming games."
Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday:
" Five years without a trophy. It's phenomenal, a club of Man Utd's stature, five years is such a long time. They brought Ronaldo back to win a prize, and it hasn't happened. I understand they're in the Champions League, but let's be honest, I 'd be stunned if they won it. They need to get in the top 4.
" This was a headache, the game ought to have been over at half-time, however they must likewise have enough to go and win it in the second half and additional time.
" Now it's a bit of a snakes and ladders scenario. They get to 4th place, then they fall directly back down the ladder again. I just can't describe what a bad outcome that is on Friday, it's a surprise." Man Utd should be putting Middlesbrough to bed, and now they have a big, big football match against Burnley in midweek."
When it comes to Boro, manager Wilder is delighted to be in Sunday's fifth-round draw after a night of grit and drama.
" The FA Cup's alive and kicking, specifically in Middlesbrough tonight," he said. "The scenes at the end. I spoke with the players about making memories.
" We were up against first-rate players and rode our luck sometimes, however we revealed lots of spirit and took one of our opportunities."
The FA Cup fifth round draw happens on Sunday, February 6.It will occur before Liverpool's clash against Cardiff, which is expected to be at around 11.30 am.
Still to come in the FA Cup this weekend ...
FA Cup fourth-round ties ...
Crystal Palace vs Hartlepool
Bournemouth vs Boreham Wood
Huddersfield vs Barnsley
Peterborough vs QPR
Cambridge vs Luton
Southampton vs Coventry
Chelsea vs Plymouth
Everton vs Brentford
Kidderminster vs West Ham
Tottenham vs Brighton
Liverpool vs Cardiff
Stoke vs Wigan
Nottingham Forest vs Leicester
Manchester City vs Fulham
Wolves vs Norwich