Boateng put Boro ahead but then conceded a penalty

With Boro 2-1 up, Styles ruled Boateng handled in the area and Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty.

Boateng, who had put Boro ahead, told BBC Sport: "I am devastated. I can't believe it. The referee has robbed us.

"I was not deliberately trying to handball it. The referee gave a bad decision again."

Interview: Boro captain George Boateng

Interview: Man Utd striker Henrik Larsson

Interview: Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate

The penalty was given after a Ryan Giggs corner was flicked on by Rio Ferdinand and Boateng, who was standing right behind the United defender, blocked the ball from hitting his face with his hands.

606: DEBATE Do we need more consistency with handball decisisions?

And Boro boss Gareth Southgate diplomatically brought referee Styles' award of the penalty into question.

He said: ""I can see why he has given it because George has got his hands up.

"We don't like to complain about referees really but he's a yard away when it's flicked so I'm not quite sure what he can do to adjust his position."

Southgate added: "Having gone ahead against them you want to win the game.

You tend to get those given against you against the bigger sides don't you? Boro boss Gareth Southgate

"The lads gave absolutely everything and in the second half we played very well.

"In the first half we were on the back foot for a lot of it but I'm proud of what the players have given and with a little bit more fortune we might have gone through."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was in happier mood and paid tribute to his side's battling qualities.

"We never gave in," said Ferguson. "We are expected to keep going. We did and got our deserved equaliser.

"We got the penalty kick for the equaliser and I am glad we are still in the Cup."

Wayne Rooney had put United ahead but Lee Cattermole and Boateng struck for Boro before Ronaldo's spot-kick.

"We dominated the first half and had a lot of chances," added Ferguson.

"It was one of our best performances for weeks. We had our rhythm and speed back and it was terrific to see that.