Defensive blunders cost United Cup progress

Middlesbrough sensationally knocked champions Manchester United out of the FA Cup fourth round today with a 2-0 victory sealed…

Middlesbrough sensationally knocked champions Manchester United out of the FA Cup fourth round today with a 2-0 victory sealed in the last five minutes.

A defensive blunder by United defender Laurent Blanc allowed Noel Whelan to poach an 85th goal and Andy Campbell headed in a second to secure a place in the fifth round after a breakaway.

United had dominated possession with Boro midfielder Robbie Mustoe clearing off the line in both halves, denying Ronnie Woolwork and Mikael Silvestre, and United's Paul Scholes missing a clear chance from around the penalty spot.

But the English champions lacked any real bite until the hour mark, when manager Alex Ferguson sent on striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy and winger Ryan Giggs.