The game was soured by a 66th-minute horror tackle from Emanuel Pogatetz on Possebon. Early indications suggest the Brazilian may have broken his leg after lengthy treatment on the pitch. It was a disgusting challenge.

Fergie totally changed his side around from Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea - but the team was a lot stronger than the one that was dumped out the Carling Cup by Coventry last season.

Nemanja Vidic returned and was joined at the back by Rafael Da Silva, Wes Brown and John O'Shea. Nani, Giggs and Anderson were joined in midfield by Rodrigo Possebon - whilst Danny Welbeck partnered Ronaldo in attack.

United dominated against a Boro side lacking in confidence and Ronaldo opened the scoring on 25 minutes. He met a Giggs corner with a fine header to break the deadlock in front of 53,000 at Old Trafford.

United piled forward in numbers but Boro defended well as Welbeck, Nani and Anderson all squandered chances. Their defensive endeavours paid off as the visitors drew level on 57 minutes. Adam Johnson volleyed home a great striker after Vidic failed to deal with a hopeful punt from Stewart Downing.

Pogatetz's dirty tackle handed the numerical advantage to United, however, and goals from Giggs and Nani secured safe passage to the fourth round. A good win and evidence that Fergie's fringe players are ready to be called upon this season.

Full Time - Manchester United 3-1 Middlesbrough

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