Anti-social media
ELANGA ABUSED AFTER PENALTY MISS
MANCHESTER UNITED winger Anthony Elanga was targeted with racist abuse on social media following Friday night’s FA Cup defeat by Middlesbrough.
Elanga, 19, sent the decisive penalty over the bar and into the Stretford End as United lost 8-7 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Meta ( formerly Facebook), the company which owns Instagram, revealed that they have taken down a number of comments – and an investigation is underway.
Marcus Rashford was quick to send a message of support to his team-mate, tweeting: “Anthony Elanga. Get that head of yours up immediately.”
United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said Elanga was “shattered and absolutely disappointed”.
He added: “We will try to encourage him again, be there for him and it can happen to
more experienced players.” And Rangnick blasted United’s sloppy finishing in another dismal display.
Jadon Sancho shot United into a deserved lead after Cristiano Ronaldo had uncharacteristically missed a penalty, but their continued profligacy in front of goal gave Boro a chance to claw their way back.
Matt Crooks, a former United youth player and lifelong fan, equalised – a controversial goal given that Duncan Watmore handled before he crossed.
Then Bruno Fernandes somehow hit the post when he looked certain to score.
“We gave away too many chances, especially in the first half,” Rangnick complained.
“We should and could have easily been up 3-0 after 45 minutes and even in the second half we missed some great opportunities after they scored their goal that shouldn’t have stood.
“But Bruno’s chance was almost like a penalty as well, so we have to blame ourselves for giving away and wasting too many opportunities.
“If it’s on penalties it’s also a question of luck and in the end we lost that game and we are all incredibly disappointed.”
Elanga was consoled by
Ronaldo, among others, after his penalty miss, with supportive fans singing his name as the players walked off.
United’s FA Cup exit means they now only have an outside chance of ending their five-year wait for a trophy – with the Champions League their last plausible route to silverware.
But delighted Boro manager Chris Wilder said: “The FA Cup’s alive and kicking, especially in Middlesbrough tonight.
“The scenes at the end. I spoke to the players about making memories. We were up against world-class players and rode our luck at times.
“But we showed plenty of spirit and took one of our opportunities.”
Asked about the controversial decision to award Crooks’ goal, despite Watmore handling the ball in the build-up, Wilder admitted: “I thought straight away it was handball.
“My initial reaction was that it was going to be chalked off – and I was delighted that it wasn’t.”