Carling Cup: Manchester United 3-1 Middlesbrough

Sir Alex Ferguson could not contain his anger last night after a horror two-footed challenge from Middlesbrough skipper Emanuel Pogatetz left young Manchester United star Rodrigo Possebon with a suspected broken leg.

Pogatetz launched himself at Possebon in the 65th minute of the Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford as the pair went for a 50-50 ball, leaving the 19-year-old Brazilian with blood pouring from a gaping wound in his right shin.

The Boro captain was shown a straight red for the disgraceful challenge which marred United's progression to the fourth round, courtesy of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs.

Possebon required oxygen during almost 10 minutes of treatment as United boss Fergie went ballistic on the touchline, remonstrating with Boro boss Gareth Southgate and the fourth official.

United doctor Steve McNally, who treated Possebon on the pitch, seemed to indicate to home players sitting in the directors' box - including Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov - that the teenage midfielder had indeed suffered a break.

A total of nine minutes' added time needed to be played at the end of the game following the delay while Possebon - one of United's most promising young talents who had broken into the first-team squad this season - received treatment.

The injury to him took the gloss off a triumphant night for United, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring on his first start for four months and Ryan Giggs adding a second in the 79th minute, before Nani completed the win with a third in added time.