Manchester United suffered another shock League Cup exit as they were beaten 3-1 on penalties by Middlesbrough following a 0-0 draw on Wednesday.
Louis van Gaal’s much-changed side controlled the majority of the fourth-round tie, but it was Middlesbrough who created the best chances over 90 minutes, with Stewart Downing coming close and the recalled Daley Blind spared a remarkable own goal by the offside flag
Jesse Lingard hit the woodwork for the home side and Sergio Romero twice saved superbly to deny Boro a dramatic late winner in normal time, after an earlier howler had come close to gifting them the lead.
Anthony Martial came agonisingly close with an extra-time header and Marouane Fellaini failed to convert with the goal at his mercy, but Aitor Karanka’s superbly drilled defence held strong to force a penalty shootout under the Old Trafford lights.
David Nugent missed for the visitors, but Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young also all failed to convert to hand Boro a quarter-final spot and condemn United to another exit to lower-league opposition following last season’s 4-0 humbling against MK Dons in the same competition.