Ronaldo clinches spot in semis

Cristiano Ronaldo blasted home a 75th-minute penalty to book Manchester United an FA Cup semi-final clash with Watford after a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

Ronaldo's 18th goal of the season settled a hard-fought quarter-final replay with Middlesbrough, who have now come off worst in three successive spot-kick controversies against Sir Alex Ferguson's men this season.

The Portugal winger had already hit a post when Jonathan Woodgate sent him sprawling as United moved one step closer a repeat of their 1999 Treble-winning campaign.

Ronaldo and Woodgate were flying for the dead ball line at top speed with 15 minutes of the contest remaining. But, even though Woodgate wisely opted not to attempt a tackle, he caught Ronaldo's trailing leg as he fell, leaving referee Mike Dean little alternative than to point to the spot.

Once the visitors' arguments subsided, Ronaldo strode up to break Boro's resistance by sending Mark Schwarzer the wrong way, taking United into the last four and one step closer a dream Wembley showdown with title rivals Chelsea on May 19.

Ronaldo ran past the Boro bench and made a sign of a TV with his fingers in what could have been an invitation for Southgate and his staff to look at the TV replays.

At the end of the game stewards moved quickly as words were exchanged by members of both backroom staff from both teams.

The goal signalled the start of a bad-tempered end to the game which, amid a plethora of yellow cards, saw James Morrison sent off for a wicked injury-time tackle on Ronaldo.