Manchester United fan Matt Crooks’ dreams come true after goal at Old Trafford

Matt Crooks said Middlesbrough’s FA Cup win at Old Trafford was “what dreams are made of” after the Manchester United fan scored against his boyhood club on an unforgettable night.

Ralf Rangnick’s star-studded side dominated for the most part against the Championship promotion hopefuls on Friday night, but they were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before Jadon Sancho struck at Old Trafford, where Duncan Watmore set up fellow former United academy player Crooks to score a contentious leveller.

The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra-time, with Anthony Elanga’s missed spot-kick sealing Chris Wilder’s Boro a shock 8-7 penalty shoot-out win under the Old Trafford lights.

“Madness, absolute madness,” Crooks said.

“Personally for me obviously coming here as a fan over the years, being in the academy, getting let go then trying to make my way in the game again, to come here and score and win (is great).

“I mean, I don’t think we played that well in the game but to score it kind of just glosses over everything and to get the win as well is just amazing.

“It’s what dreams are made of, really. I said that before in the week leading up to it.

“As long as I put in a good performance and the team did well, then I was happy. I didn’t put in a good performance but I scored, so I am still happy! There you have it.

It’s what dreams are made of, really. I said that before in the week leading up to it- Matt Crooks

“Unfortunately my dad couldn’t come, he’s got Covid, so that put a bit of a downer on it yesterday but I know he’s watching and hopefully he’s happy as I am. I am sure he will be.”

Crooks was proud of Boro’s “unbelievable team effort” against United, who were furious to