In the aftermath of Manchester United’s FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday evening, Roy Keane agreed with interim manager Ralf Rangnick that wasteful Manchester United are the architects of their own demise.
Following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes at Old Trafford, the visitors’ FA Cup adventure came to an end with an 8-7 penalty shootout victory, with Anthony Elanga missing the final spot-kick.
The two clubs exchanged 15 successful penalties until Elanga was tasked with keeping the shootout going and attempting to help United reach the fifth round.
However, he sent his shot over the crossbar, sending the 9,000-plus Middlesbrough fans into raptures behind the goal at the opposite end of the pitch.
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United, who took the lead in the first half thanks to Jadon Sancho’s first-half goal, squandered numerous chances to end the tie before halftime, including a missed penalty by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We gave away too many chances, especially in the first half,” Rangnick said of United’s inability to convert its chances.
“We should and could have easily been up 3-0 after 45 minutes, and even in the second half, we wasted several excellent chances, even after they scored a goal that shouldn’t have counted.
“But Bruno’s chance was almost as good as a penalty, so we have to blame ourselves for giving up and squandering too many chances in the game.
“And, in the end, if it’s on penalties, it’s also a matter of luck, and we lost that game, and we’re all incredibly disappointed.”
The United manager’s assessment was echoed by Keane, who served on the punditry panel for ITV Sport’s coverage of the game.
The former midfielder chastised United’s wastefulness in front of the goal, emphasizing how they cause themselves disappointment.
The United manager’s assessment was echoed by Keane, who served on the punditry panel for ITV Sport’s coverage of the game.
The former midfielder chastised United’s wastefulness in front of the goal, emphasizing how they cause themselves disappointment.
