Marcus Rashford has shown solidarity with team-mate Anthony Elanga after the Manchester United youngster missed a crucial penalty in their FA Cup defeat against Middlesbrough.
Chris Wilder’s second-tier side knocked the Red Devils out at the fourth-round stage, winning 8-7 on penalties at Old Trafford on Friday when the teenager blazed over after 15 successful penalties in a row.
Elanga was subjected to vile racist abuse on social media but Rashford, who suffered the same treatment after missing a penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final, offered some consoling words on Twitter to the 19-year-old.
Marcus Rashford (right) has supported Anthony Elanga (left) after the teen was racially abused
Rashford’s post read: ‘Anthony Elanga. Get that head of yours up immediately,’ followed by a heart emoji.
The Swedish forward was also consoled on the pitch by several team-mates after the final whistle.
Looking dejected after his miss, Elanga was quickly swarmed on by United team-mates as well as Ronaldo, who seemed to offer the youngster some advice.
Anthony Elanga’s missed penalty sent Manchester Utd crashing out of the FA Cup on Friday
Cristiano Ronaldo (right) was quick to comfort the youngster as the pair walked off the pitch
Ralf Rangnick (left) and Bruno Fernandes were also quick to console the emotional Elanga
Ralf Rangnick and Bruno Fernandes were also pictured consoling Elanga after the crucial moment; Meta, the company which owns Instagram, revealed that they took down a number of racially abusive comments and an investigation is ongoing.
Manchester United were taken to extra time and Elanga came off the bench, with Ralf Rangnick bringing him on for Marcus Rashford in the 82nd minute.
The game finished 1-1 in normal time after Jadon Sancho’s opener was cancelled out by Matt Crooks. Neither side could find a winner in extra time and the penalty shootout went to sudden death.