Manchester United vs Middlesbrough | Player Ratings for the Red Devils

Where many expected Manchester United to deliver a pulsating performance, an apathetic evening culminated into yet another disappointing result as they were knocked out in their fourth-round F.A Cup tie against Middlesbrough on Friday. Despite fielding their strongest side, Ralf Rangnick’s men failed at converting numerous goal-scoring opportunities, eventually losing out on penalties to the visiting team.

While the Red Devils delivered a dominating performance in the first half; breaking the deadlock, an unsurprising lack of discipline crept into their second-half display as the home side struggled to find the back of the net whilst also considering a controversial equaliser.

With the FA Cup game headed into a penalty shootout, an admirable effort ensured Middlesbrough rose to the occasion – scoring all of their penalties – with United winger Anthony Elanga having failed to hit the target during sudden death.

Having diminished their hopes of securing any domestic silverware this season, Rangnick will be hoping to concentrate and build consistency in challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League over the remainder of the campaign. With United amongst the outside favourites to win the UEFA Champions League, it remains to be seen if the team manages to significantly improve their performances heading into a demanding phase of the season.

Starting XI:

Dean Henderson – 6/10: A surprising addition between the sticks, the Englishman had a relatively quiet game for most of the ninety minutes and extra time. However, having failed to produce a single save in the decisive penalty shootout, Henderson failed to create a lasting impression on the pitch.

Diogo Dalot – 6/10: A lively presence on the flank, Dalot remained a constant threat on the attack. The full-back delivered crisp crosses on the evening whilst carrying out his defensive duties diligently. With the team in need of his services, Dalot is unlikely to be displaced anytime soon.

Raphael Varane – 7/10: An imposing figure in the backline, the Frenchman remained integral to United’s shape and composure when pressured without possession. Having intercepted and blocked numerous chances on the evening, Varane emerged amongst United’s most reliable players on Friday.

Harry Maguire – 5/10: Decent in defence, Maguire delivered an average performance in the United vs Middlesbrough game. Although the centre-back succeeded in avoiding any forced errors, Maguire struggled to impactfully command the team in possession whilst accounting for a few misplaced passes on the evening.

Luke Shaw – 6/10: Energetic across both sides of the pitch, Shaw remained an available presence on the flank. The full-back delivered a decent performance, accounting for a few crosses in the evening. With Alex Telles likely to be considered for the upcoming Premier League fixture, it remains to be seen if Shaw retains his place in the starting line-up moving forward.

Manchester United’s fullbacks created nine of their 20 chances after 90 minutes against Middlesbrough:

◉ Luke Shaw (5)
◉ Diogo Dalot (4)

Trying to make something happen. #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/SyCTJD75eh

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 4, 2022

Scott McTominay – 5/10: A decent first-half performance saw McTominay promisingly adapt to his new role under Rangnick. However, with Middlesbrough having gradually grown in confidence, the United midfielder struggled to gain control of the midfield and deliver an imposing performance for most of the ninety minutes.

Paul Pogba – 5/10: A much-needed addition to a weakened midfield, the Frenchman’s presence made a tangible impact in the first half. However, much like his teammates, Pogba too, failed to rise to the occasion, eventually fading in his impact until his substitution late in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes – 6/10: Despite creating and finding himself on the end of golden goal-scoring opportunities, Fernandes struggled to express his creativity in the second half. Nevertheless, with the team highly dependent on his abilities, the Portuguese is expected to play a vital role in the team’s prospects over the remainder of the season.

Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in five goals in his last four games for Manchester United:

⚽️⚽️ vs Aston Villa
🅰️🅰️ vs Brentford
❌ vs West Ham
🅰️ vs Middlesbrough

Don’t be surprised if he gets another assist. 😀 pic.twitter.com/m9A2F8DKbt

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 4, 2022

Marcus Rashford – 5/10: While Rashford found himself on the end of a few opportunities during United’s phase on Friday, the winger eventually struggled to deliver an impactful performance. With the team short on effective wingers, it remains to be seen if the Englishman picks up form and contributes to the team’s results over the coming weeks.

Jadon Sancho – 7/10: Amongst United’s only effective creators on the evening, Sancho’s opening goal encapsulated United’s dominant first-half performance. Although the youngster faded over the course of the second half, Sancho emerged amongst the few positive takeaways on the evening.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 4/10: Careless in possession, Ronaldo remained a frustrating figure throughout the evening. The Portuguese striker struggled to glue the attack whilst also failing to take his chances alongside missing a penalty during normal time. With his impact declining, it remains to be seen if Ronaldo returns to his best over the coming weeks.

Manchester United v Middlesbrough : Cristiano Ronaldo penalty Miss🥲🥲#FACup #MUNMID pic.twitter.com/vOj3qNd7Tk

— Sepasi Football (@SepasiFootball) February 5, 2022

Substitutions:

Anthony Elanga – 6/10: Although having failed to convert the decisive penalty, Elanga remained an energetic figure during normal and extra time. The youngster found himself on the end of a couple of goal-scoring opportunities but, struggled to produce a sublime finish. With the team short on attacking players, Elanga is likely to be increasingly integrated within the first-team line-up over the coming weeks.

https://twitter.com/dailyfootyy/status/1489734678542172160

Fred – 6/10: A decent cameo saw Fred deliver a promising performance on Friday. Having converted his penalty whilst also showcasing his prowess in and around the 18-yard-box, the Brazilian will be hoping to consistently improve and deliver exemplary performances until the end of the campaign.

Phil Jones – 6/10: A surprise addition, Jones replaced Raphael Varane before extra time. Composed in possession, the centre-back carried out his duties diligently on the evening.

Juan Mata – 6/10: Replacing a fatigued Jadon Sancho in extra time, Mata failed to make a positive impact besides converting his penalty. With the team short on attacking talent, the Spaniard will be hoping to gain minutes over the remainder of the campaign.

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