United Live to Fight Another Day (Middlesbrough 2 - Manchester United 2)

Gotta hate these late games. We never look good in late kickoffs and getting a draw here doesn't help our cause.

The game started brightly with good chances falling for both sides. Kuszczak made an early save from Downing and set the tone for what could be an entertaining game. Despite the loss of Scholes, and the general crappiness of Carrick, we played well in midfield. Rooney dropped deep to help out occasionally.

In the 23rd minute, a moment of brilliance from Rooney gave United the first goal. He jinked around two defenders to make space for the shot and scored with a sweet strike. Unfortunately that was his only positive contribution of the game. He looked sluggish and a step slow the entire game. Personally he was the worst performer in a United shirt today.

After the goal, United took complete control of the game. It's ridiculous how we didn't manage to score a second goal with all the possession and shots. Boro was reduced to counters and nearly had one when Yakubu turned Vidic sweetly, only for Kuszczak to make another superb save.

Despite the odd Boro foray forward, we looked like coasting to the next round of the FA Cup. But we're United and we simply love to do things the hard way. 2 minutes either way of the break, some suicidal defending allowed Boro to equalise and take the lead.

For the first goal, Kuszczak, Vidic and Heinze collided with Yakubu, leaving Cattermole a chance at goal. Then 1 minute after the break, Boateng scored from a corner. The defending was horrible. No one was even a 3 metres radius near Boateng when he headed the ball. It was just suicidal defending from us. Have I mentioned that I hate late kickoffs?

Anyway, we pressed forward to equalise and were somewhat fortunate to be given a penalty when Boateng handed the ball which trying to protect his face. I mean the ball was flying towards his face and upon natural instinct flung his arms up to protect his face. Unluckily for him, a penalty was the result.

Ronaldo stepped up, just as he did in the Premiership encounter, and blasted the ball past Schwarzer. The rest of the game was pretty much a dull affair. Well, at least to me it was a dull affair. I had hardly the energy to keep my eyes open. Hell, I've hardly the energy to write this entry. Seriously these late kickoffs are pissing the shit outta me.

Just before I go, I would like to say that Rob Styles is a horrible referee (at least for this game).

1. How many times does Ronaldo needs to be hacked, chopped and flattened before the opponent gets a yellow card? The Boro players were getting away with murder out there!
2. How the hell did Larsson get a yellow card in the first half? He was tripped and this blind bat gave him a yellow for diving! Incredible!
3. I thought the penalty decision was harsh. Sure it was undoubtedly a handball, but what was Boateng supposed to do? Let the ball hit him in the face? What if it hit him in the eye? Having been hit in the eye and gone thru an eye operation with permanent disability, what Boateng did was absolutely right. Looks like a player must sacrifice life and limb in the game. Of course that being said, Boateng gets paid alot more than me. All I get is free rides from Pok.