Man Utd 1-0 Middlesbrough

Man Utd 1-0 Middlesbrough

Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half penalty was enough to send Manchester United through to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Ronaldo was chopped down from behind by Jonathan Woodgate with the winger clinically dispatching the spot-kick.

The excellent Mark Schwarzer had twice thwarted Wayne Rooney when the striker had been put clean through with Boro on the back foot throughout.

Tempers frayed in injury time with substitute James Morrison dismissed for a reckless lunge on the match-winner.

United's progression to the last four equals the record number of 25 appearances in the semi-finals - set by Arsenal - and the Premiership leaders will now meet bottom side Watford in the next round.

The home side, depleted and playing their fourth game in 10 days, controlled much of their quarter-final, with Middlesbrough intent on frustrating their opponents and catching them on the break.

United looked in no mood to let the game go the distance and quickly set about penning Boro in their own half - not that an edgy Middlesbrough side were eager to throw men forward at the other end.

In truth, their compact and stand-offish approach suggested they would be more than happy to take their chances in extra-time or penalties.

With players like Rooney not delivering the goods it was down to Ronaldo to be a match winner