Manchester United COACH, Ralf Rangnick, revealed why his team lost to Middlesbrough in the round of 32 of the 2021-2022 FA Cup, Saturday (5/2/2022). He called Manchester United lost because they wasted many chances in the first half.
“I am very disappointed. We should have won and killed the game in the first half,” said Ralf Rangnick quoting the London Evening Standard, Saturday (5/2/2022).
“We had a lot of chances, but not a goal because it hit the post and there was also a missed penalty. We should have been 2-0 up or 3-0 (in the first half),” said Ralf Rangnick.
Ralf Rangnick’s comment above is a sign that the German tactician is blaming Cristiano Ronaldo? Just to note, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score a goal via the white point in the first half.
In that match, the Red Devils – the nickname of Manchester United – appeared very dominant for the first 45 minutes. Manchester United even took the lead through Jadon Sancho in the 25th minute.
However, before that Cristiano Ronaldo could actually double the advantage through the penalty spot in the 20th minute. Unfortunately, the Portuguese star was not able to execute a penalty well.
In addition, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford also had many opportunities. However, their poor finish meant they failed to add to their lead in the first half.
In the second half, precisely in the 64th minute, Boro – as Middlesbrough is called – was able to equalise through Matt Crooks’ controversial goal. The score changed 1-1 until 90 minutes of normal time ended. Then up to 120 minutes of the game running, the 1-1 position remained so that it continued to the penalty shootout.
After 15 kickers had done their job well, Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga failed to convert a penalty kick. As a result, the Manchester Reds lost 7-8 in the penalty shootout.
With these results, the Red Devils’ journey in the FA Cup has ended this season. Next, Manchester United will face Burnley in the 2021-2022 Premier League match on Wednesday next week.