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Rangnick discusses Sancho, Bruno and VAR after FA Cup exit

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Ralf Rangnick will not win a domestic trophy in his interim period as Manchester United manager.

United were dumped out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Rangnick saw his side start the game well and create enough chances to win two matches in the first half alone.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty was the most obvious spurned opportunity, but Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Elanga were culpable at various points during the night.

Rangnick was asked for his thoughts by MUTV after the game and said that Fernandes was playing through a knock.

FBL-ENG-FACUP-MAN UTD-MIDDLESBROUGH
Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images

About the equaliser, Rangnick said: “They should never have given the goal. It was, for me, a clear handball. I would not have needed VAR I think.

“It should have been seen by the referee himself but at the very latest VAR. As far as I know, the referee and VAR said it was not intentional but how can it be coincidental if he controls the ball with his hand?”

When asked about whether Sancho had an injury, Rangnick replied: “Jadon was not (injured). He did not get a knock, he was just feeling tired.

“Bruno had a knock on his back but could play through the whole game. Hopefully for Tuesday, we will have all of those players available again.”

Manchester United v Middlesbrough: The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Rangnick did not immediately bring on Juan Mata for Sancho, even when it was clear that the England international was struggling in normal time.

It seemed he was hoping that the winger could play through the fatigue but he was eventually replaced by the Spainard, who rattled home United’s opening penalty.

With Edinson Cavani given the night off along with Jesse Lingard and Amad, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek out on loan, Rangnick’s options actually looked a bit stretched as the game wore on here.

That would make it an even bigger blow if Bruno or Sancho were missing against Burnley on Tuesday.

Raphael Varane was also replaced by Phil Jones in normal time. Rangnick was asked about the Frenchman but did not provide an update.