“We have to blame ourselves”- Ralf Rangnick says Manchester United have themselves to blame for their SHOCKING FA Cup exit 

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Manchester United’s FA Cup journey comes to a disappointing end after they lost to Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough in the penalty shootout and the Manchester United head coach says that they’ve no one but themselves to blame for the defeat. And rightly so as Manchester United were wasteful in front of the goal in the first half and could easily have put the game to bed. 

After a year from his famous win with Sheffield United at Old Trafford , Chris Wilder has once again pulled the rabbit out of the hat by knocking United this time with his Middlesbrough side. Cristiano Ronaldo missed from 12 yards after Paul Pogba was brought down in the penalty area. However Jadon Sancho gave Red Devils a deserved 1-0 lead just moments later. Matt Crooks a former Manchester United youth player levelled the tie in the second half after a controversial goal as Duncan Watmore handled the ball in the play leading to the goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvFK_dBv0T8
Ralf Rangnick post match interview after loss to Middlesbrough

“We gave away too many chances, especially in the first half, We should and could have easily 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.” Ralf Rangnick said in his post match interview. 

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But it was Bruno Fernandes with the best chance of the game but only manage to hit the post with the goalkeeper struggling to get back. The match ended 1-1 and remained so in extra time, with Middlesbrough winning 8-7 on penalties after Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga missed his penalty. 

“But Bruno’s chance was almost like a penalty as well, so we have to blame ourselves for giving away and wasting too many opportunities in the game.” Ralf Rangnick added.

Cristiano Ronaldo along with other Manchester United players console Anthony Elanga after his penalty miss in the FA Cup

Anthony Elanga(left) being consoled by Cristiano Ronaldo(right) after his penalty miss in Manchester United’s loss against Middlesbrough

Elanga was consoled by Ronaldo, among others, after his penalty miss, with supportive fans singing his name at the end of a night when Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard were absent. It is understandable that the pressure must be immense on the 19 year-old in the sudden death and several United players came out to support the forward on Twitter.

With the FA Cup exit, United’s only realistic chance of a silverware is now going all the way in the Champions League and winning the competition. However the race for the fourth spot is well and truly on as the Red Devils must secure Champions League football for next season.

Where does Manchester United’s season go on from here after the shocking FA Cup exit ?

Also read: FA Cup: Manchester United vs Middlesbrough Player Ratings as the Red Devils lose on penalties