CRISTIANO RONALDO celebrates his 37th birthday today, but did not enjoy its eve.
Last night Manchester United were shocked by MIddlesbrough as they were dumped out of the FA Cup.
Championship Boro prevailed in an absolute classic of a fourth-round to win 8-7 on pens after extra-time.
Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard has furiously hit back at Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick after the boss announced the winger had asked for some time off to clear his head.
Lingard has denied the claim and tweeted that his "headspace is clear".
Meanwhile Declan Rice could be approached, but the West Ham midfielder has given a new interview which has some bad news for United in it.
Follow ALL the latest from Old Trafford with our live blog below…
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- Joshua Mbu
Next five
After last night's FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough, Burnley are up next in the league for United.
- Joshua Mbu
Good morning Man Utd fans
Man United were sensationally dumped out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough during a tense penalty shoot-out.
The two sides drew 1-1 in normal time and neither team managed to score a winner in extra time in the fourth round clash.
And Boro caused one of the major upsets of the tournament in a tense shoot out when United star Anthony Elanga missed his spot-kick during the sudden death stage of penalties.
However, the match wasn’t without controversy as Boro cancelled out United’s early 1-0 lead with the aid of a blatant handball.
United players, staff and fans could not believe the goal was allowed to stand – especially after a VAR review.
United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also made a rare penalty miss in the first half to the dismay of several fans who blasted the Portuguese ace on social media.
Ronaldo’s costly error also caused Man United target Declan Rice to eat his words after the West Ham ace picked Ronaldo over rival Lionel Messi in the age-old GOAT debate.
Rice told Gary Neville on Sky Sport’s Overlap show that: ““[I’m] Going to have to say Ronaldo – 100 per cent Ronaldo.
“The penalties he’s scored in big moments, Champions League finals, tournaments. I’d 100 per cent put my money on CR7 for the big occasions.”
During the game, Red Devil owners The Glazers felt the wrath of United’s fans too when a technical glitch meant supporters couldn’t buy refreshments at half-time.
The announcement was met with a chorus of boos from all four sides of Old Trafford which was clearly picked up by the pitchside TV microphones.
And then the Red Devils faithful broke into a familiar chant hitting out at the unpopular owners.
Meanwhile, Flamengo chiefs have flown in to England to try and complete the permanent signing of Andreas Pereira from United, according to reports.
The Brazilian side have an option to make the deal permanent for £17million.
But club vice-president Marcos Braz has confirmed that they want to get him cheaper.
Braz, as well as other Flamengo top brass, flew into England today to try and negotiate a deal.
And finally, United are planning a “big investment” for Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo, reports suggest.
That is according to Marca, who report that United are leading the transfer race for Araujo who has attracted interest from other Premier League sides as well.
The Red Devils are seriously considering a deal for the centre-back, who is aware of their interest in him.
- James Orr
Rangnick speaks on Elanga
Rangnick has spoken about teen star Anthony Elanga, 19, who blazed over the crucial spot kick.
The German boss said: "Anyone can imagine how he [Elanga] is, he is shattered and absolutely disappointed.
"We will try to encourage him [Elanga] again, be there for him and it can happen to more experienced players. We could not have had more players to take it, there was Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and the goalkeeper."
Elanga consoled by Ronaldo after his penalty miss
- James Orr
Rangnick speaks on Lingard
Manager Ralf Rangnick has spoken on the Jesse Lingard situation following the FA Cup humbling to Middlesbrough, on which Lingard was not in the squad.
Rangnick said: "We were one outfield player less on the team sheet, so why would I have allowed him [Lingard] to have four or five days off, I would have loved to have had him in the squad."
- Justin Lawrence
Man United out of FA Cup!
Man United have sensationally been dumped out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough!
The Prem giants crashed out to the Championship side after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Either side failed to score a winning goal in extra time, forcing the game to penalties.
And Chris Wilder's troops won the tense shoot-out in sudden death following a shock miss by United's Anthony Elanga.
- Justin Lawrence
Keane on Lingard
Roy Keane reckons Lingard should’ve left Man United last summer.
Keane said: “He should have gone last summer, end of story.
“He had his chance. He played some games, proved what he is about, went to West Ham and got a run, having not played much football.
“People get bogged down by contract talk. He wants to leave, he wants to leave on a free but you have to play the games.
“He can complain all he wants, it is not ideal between Jesse and the club at the moment.
“Last summer was his opportunity, he should have taken it.”
- Justin Lawrence
FA Cup controversy
Man United were left fuming after Middlebrough equalised at Old Trafford – despite a blatant handball.
The ball clearly bounced up off sub Duncan Watmore’s hand as he collected it in the penalty box.
Anthony Taylor did not blow his whistle, though.
And knowing if he scored with his next touch the goal would be ruled out, the Middlesbrough striker lifted the ball over Dean Henderson but off target.
Matt Crooks arrived at the back post to slam in to make it 1-1 in their FA Cup fourth-round clash.
However, United players, staff and fans could not believe the goal was allowed to stand – especially after a VAR review.
Even Boro’s bench look bemused it was not ruled out.
- Justin Lawrence
Rooney’s on a leash
Wayne Rooney has been banned from going out alone after wife Coleen grew “sick and tired” of his wild antics.
She decided to have Wayne, 36, “chaperoned at all times” to save their 13-year marriage, friends have revealed.
The mum of four told pals she does not trust his friends and wants a “responsible adult” — either her brother Joe or someone else she trusts — to keep an on him.
- Justin Lawrence
United fans blast Glazers
Man United fans chanted 'we want Glazers out' after booing an Old Trafford tannoy announcement revealing there was no food or drink available at half-time.
A message came over the PA just moments before the break during tonight's FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
And any supporters hoping for some grub, a warm cuppa or a cheeky pint in the 15-minute interval were left bitterly disappointed by the 'technical difficulties' – especially the 9,443 in the away end who made the trip from Teesside.
The announcement was met with a chorus of boos from all four sides of Old Trafford which was clearly picked up by the pitchside TV microphones.
And then the Red Devils faithful broke into a familiar chant hitting out at the unpopular owners.
- Justin Lawrence
Fans rip into Ronaldo
Fans laid into Ronaldo on Twitter after his shocking penalty miss against Middlesbrough.
On fan wrote: "Nobody should miss the target from 12 yards. Should dock wages if a professional does it."
While another ripped into Ron saying: "Can't do the only thing making him relevant. Let's all laugh at Ronaldo."
And a third chimed in with: "Penaldo is truly finished."
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's shocking penalty miss
He's usually faultless from 12-yards, but even the great Cristiano Ronaldo is guilty of the occasional error.
After Paul Pogba was felled inside the area during the FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough Ronaldo stepped up from the spot, only to MISS the target completely.
Goalkeeper Joe Lumley wasn't even forced into making a save as CR7 dragged his effort wide of the mark as he attempted to open the scoring at Old Trafford.
The celebrations from the 9,000 travelling Boro fans didn't last long though, with Jadon Sancho opened the scoring less than five minutes later.
- Justin Lawrence
Keane makes management admission
Roy Keane has revealed he would like to 'go back' into management as reports continue to link him to the vacant Sunderland job – but only is the contract is right.
Keane made the admission while on punditry duty for the FA Cup clash between Manchester United and Middlesbrough.
Keane said on ITV, with a slight grin: "I made it clear I would like to go back into football as manager one day but the club has to want you and you have to want the club and the contract has be right.
"Let's see what takes shape over the next few days."
- Justin Lawrence
It's in Pogba's hands
Paul Pogba's Man United future is in his own hands, the club's interim boss Rangnick has revealed.
Rangnick has decided to start the Frenchman who's been out of action with an injury since November in tonight's FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough.
And depending on how he performs, Pogba could become a regular in Rangnick's first eleven.
Speaking before the Boro match, Rangnick said: “It depends on the level of performance he shows tonight.
"He was good in training, he performed well and that’s why I decided to play him from the start."
- Justin Lawrence
Vieira wishes Keane good luck
Ex-Man United ace Roy Keane's old Arsenal rival Patrick Vieira has wished the Irishman good luck if he takes the Sunderland job.
The pair used to battle each other on the pitch but Vieira has put aside their long-standing rivalry to wish his former nemesis Keane all the best if he becomes the new Black Cats boss.
Vieira said: "Yeah, I think deep inside him this is something that he will want to try again.
"And I think if there's opportunity there, I think he will. He will take it. And I will wish him good luck."
- Justin Lawrence
Greenwood gets axed
Mason Greenwood has been removed from Manchester United's matchday programme.
The Red Devils play against Middlesbrough in their first match since the 20-year-old forward's arrests on suspicion of rape, GBH, sexual assault and threats to kill tonight.
But the squad list for the FA Cup clash against Boro omitted Greenwood's name.
Manchester United suspended the player indefinitely following his arrest and released an updated statement after his re-arrest earlier this week.
- Justin Lawrence
Rudiger rejects Chelsea’s latest proposition
Man United transfer target Antonio Rudiger has reportedly rebuffed Chelsea’s latest attempts to keep him at the club.
Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season, and has been strongly linked with a move away.
Despite not tabling an official contract offer, the Mail report that Chelsea informally offered Rudiger a new deal worth close to £200,000-per-week.
But the German international is said to have turned his nose up to that number.
That’s after rejecting the club’s original £140,000-per-week offer earlier in the season.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United vs Boro team news
It's unlikely that South American trio Alex Telles, Fred and Edinson Cavani will be available to play after their international breaks.
Victor Lindelof and Jason Sancho should be back in the fold after missing the win over West Ham last month.
Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba may also be available for selection by Rangnick.
Folarin Balogan, on loan from Arsenal, could start for Boro, who will be without Riley McGree due to Covid-19.
- Justin Lawrence
Something doesn't add up
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has called Ralf Rangnick and Jesse Lingard's conflicting stories over why the midfielder won't feature in Man United's FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough "strange."
Robinson said bout the situation: “There’s something fundamentally wrong. There’s a breakdown in communication wrong somewhere. The players feel they have to come out and give their side of the story.
“It’s very strange… Given where Jesse is at the moment, how the club have treated him isn’t right.
"The manager isn’t the one who blocked his move on deadline day, the club seemingly blocked the move."
- Justin Lawrence
For the Rice price
Paul Merson has urged Man United to break the bank for 'phenomenal' Declan Rice.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I think Declan Rice will be gone this summer. I think it will be Man Utd, if you’re Man Utd you’ve got to break the bank.
“If you look at their midfield it is not strong enough, they don’t dominate football matches and for me, they have to go and get him.
“I think he is the best in the business, he has improved immensely, he has taken his game up not one or two, I think he has taken it up ten-fold.
“From a holding midfield player, he is bombing forward, scoring goals, getting chances, and making goals. I can’t talk highly enough of the lad, I think he’s been absolutely phenomenal."
- Justin Lawrence
Rice picks Ron
Declan Rice picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi when asked who he prefers out of the pair by Gary Neville.
Ronaldo got Rice's vote as the West Ham star claims the Portuguese attacker always produces the goods in big games.
Rice said to Neville on Sky Sport's Overlap: "[I'm] Going to have to say Ronaldo – 100 per cent Ronaldo.
"The penalties he's scored in big moments, Champions League finals, tournaments. I'd 100 per cent put my money on CR7 for the big occasions."
- Justin Lawrence
Flamengo are keen on Pereira
Flamengo chiefs have flown in to England to try and complete the permanent signing of Andreas Pereira from Manchester United, according to reports.
The midfielder, 26, is is still on the books at Old Trafford – despite having not featured for the Red Devils in a competitive match since the 2019-20 season.
Pereira spent the 2020-21 campaign at Lazio, before being loaned to Flamengo last summer.
The Brazilian side have an option to make the deal permanent for £17million.
But club vice-president Marcos Braz has confirmed that they want to get him cheaper.
Braz, as well as other Flamengo top brass, flew into England today to try and negotiate a deal.
- Justin Lawrence
Attack's the best form of defence
Ralf Rangnick wants his United full-backs to attack more when they take on Middlesbrough today.
Rangnick said before the game: “They have to be defenders and, at the same time, give as much input as they possibly can if we’re in possession of the ball.
“They should be offensive full-backs, offensive defenders. I think in the last couple of weeks, we have improved in those areas.
“It will also be an important position for tomorrow’s game because Middlesbrough will play in a back five with very offensive wing-backs, at times even with five or six offensive players in the opposition’s half."
- Justin Lawrence
De Gea breaks record
David De Gea has been announced as Premier League Player of the Month for January.
It's the first time De Gea has won the award in 11 years at Manchester United, and the first time a goalkeeper has scooped the prize in SIX YEARS.
Southampton shot-stopper Fraser Forster was the last man between the sticks to win Player of the Month, all the way back in February 2019.
De Gea's excellent January sees him land the gong – despite keeping just one clean sheet in four games.
- Justin Lawrence
United fan fury over Greenwood
Man United fans are burning Mason Greenwood's shirt and try to flog the striker’s memorabilia online after he was released on bail.
Fans have been trying to shift their shirts after the allegations came to light when his accuser posted a series of photos and audio on social media.
Some United fans have been lighting their £65 shirts to destroy them, while others have even tried to scrape the name and numbers off.
Footage shows one fan using an aerosol to burn the away shirt on a washing line, while others set fire to it on a bonfire.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United squad's arrival
Man United were pictured arriving at their pre-match hotel as they prepare to play for the first time since Mason Greenwood's arrest.
United host Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes were all snapped arriving at The Hyatt Hotel.
As SunSport revealed, midfielder Pogba, 28, made a late bid to be in the squad for the fourth-round tie.
He has not played since the 2-2 Champions League draw away to Atalanta on November 2.
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