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.
And it proved to be costly as Man Utd crashed OUT of the FA Cup – on the lottery of penalties.
Goalkeeper Joe Lumley wasn’t even forced into making a save as CR7 dragged his effort wide of the mark.
After sending his effort the wrong side of the post Ronaldo turned and looked to the penalty spot in disgust, perhaps hoping for something to spare his blushes.
But he could have nothing to blame but himself, with the carpet-like Old Trafford turf remaining pristine, and the score staying 0-0.
Despite having the reputation of being ice-cold from the spot, Ronaldo’s miss was actually the fourth time in his career he had failed to score a penalty for United.
He previously failed to net from 12 yards against Wigan, West Ham and Barcelona, in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively.
He also famously missed a spot-kick in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea, although United went on to win that shootout.
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The likes of Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are all known for their prowess from their spot, but unsurprisingly it was Ronaldo who stepped up.
And with the entire of Old Trafford expecting the net to bulge, Ronaldo was in as much shock as everyone else as his effort smashed into the advertising hoardings, not the back of the net.
Ronaldo did score a thunderous effort in the shootout, but to no avail as Boro prevailed 8-7 after Anthony Elanga missed his sudden-death effort.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk