No glittering farewell for Larsson as Boro fume
Booked for a blatant dive, limited to a peripheral role under the watchful eye of Middlesbrough’s outstanding defender, Jonathan Woodgate, and fortunate to escape an embarrassing defeat, Henrik Larsson had surely imagined a far superior send-off in the famous colours of Man Utd.
The Swede will, however, be afforded one final opportunity to say a fond farewell to the club which welcomed him into their hearts for three memorable months. Tomorrow, Larsson will line up for the European XI which takes on a Sir Alex Ferguson’s selection in the Old Trafford exhibition staged to celebrate half a century of United performances in Europe.
As he prepared for that swansong, and a summer season with his hometown club, the Swedish minnows of Helsingborg, a wistful Larsson admitted: “It might be a bad time to go. The initial signing was to cover injuries the club had at the time and it is unfortunate that Louis Saha is injured and that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer had to have an operation on his knee. But United have enough to cope. The international break will help them.”
For Alex Ferguson that break will still seem some way off. Before his club can take time out from a hectic domestic and European programme, there is the small matter of two vital fixtures within the space of three days. On Saturday the Red Devils meet Bolton and a week today Boro visit Old Trafford to replay the FA Cup quarter-final tie.
Gareth Southgate’s magnificent team led 2-1 until a disputed penalty, converted by the irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo 22 minutes from time, meant the Teessiders were forced to prepare for a fourth successive replay.
Afterwards George Boateng angrily accused referee Rob Styles of wrecking Boro’s FA Cup dream with the penalty decision.
“That is the second time this season that referee has ruined a game for me,” blasted Boateng. “He totally spoilt the night. I am almost speechless that something like that can happen. With one decision, he took our dream away. I accept I handled the ball but, if you feel the ball is flying towards your head from such a close distance, it is a natural reaction to protect yourself.”
Boateng thought he would become the hero when he nodded his side in front immediately after the restart, only to find himself the villain of the piece by the end. “When you walk into the dressing room as a captain, the last thing you want to do is apologise to your team-mates. Thankfully, I did not need to do that because the team had sympathy. It is a very painful decision for us but it has happened now and we have to get on with it.”
For Middlesbrough this season has been all about drawing. After replay victories against Hull City, Bristol City and West Bromwich Albion in the previous three rounds of a gruelling FA Cup, repeating the trick at Old Trafford is a challenge Woodgate, for one, is relishing.
“Why has our chance gone? I don’t think it has,” said Jonathan Woodgate. “There’s no reason we can’t go down to Manchester and get a victory. We’ve been there before and done it, so why not again?
“It’s going to be hard because United are one of the best teams in Europe. But we’ve got a lot of big-game players, people who have taken part in big matches over the course of their careers, and we’ll back ourselves to do it again. We’ve no cause to be frightened of any team and our record against United over the last few years proves they’re only human.”
Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
