United took the lead on Friday night through Jadon Sancho but spurned a number of opportunities to finish off the Championship side.
Middlesbrough equalised after 64 minutes through Matt Crooks, who fired past Dean Henderson after being picked out by Duncan Watmore.
The ball appeared to clearly strike Watmore’s arm before he found his teammate but after a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor allowed the goal to stand.
The goal was allowed to stand due to revisions made to the handball law by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) this season.
Details on the Premier League website explain: ‘If an attacking player’s accidental handball immediately precedes another player scoring, the goal will now be awarded when last season it was likely to have been ruled out.’
Ferdinand however was furious with the decision, writing on Twitter: ‘What’s the point of VAR…’
With United goalkeeper de Gea, rested on the night, seemingly in agreement, Ferdinand quote tweeted his former teammate saying: ‘They are saying ‘accidental bro. These people…’
United were unable to find a second goal and crashed out of the competition after a 7-8 penalty shoot-out defeat to the Championship side.
Anthony Elanga missed the decisive spot kick, sending his effort over the bar.
MORE : Middlesbrough stun Manchester United to dump Ralf Rangnick’s side out of FA Cup on penalties
MORE : Manchester United should ‘break the bank’ for ‘phenomenal’ Declan Rice, says Paul Merson
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