Duncan Watmore says he expected his controversial assist for Middlesbrough against Manchester United to stand despite handling the ball in the build-up.
Championship side Boro produced the first shock of the FA Cup fourth round when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with United, before beating their opponents 8-7 on penalties.
United wasted a bunch of chances, including a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty miss, as they paid the ultimate price for their wastefulness in front of goal on Friday night.
Jadon Sancho gave United the lead in the first-half but United were pegged back in the second-half when Matt Crooks poked in at the back-post following a moment of controversy.
Crooks was teed up by substitute Watmore after he brought down Isaiah Jones' excellent pass on his right foot before the ball bounced up onto his right hand. The former Sunderland man then managed to hook the ball to his right and into Crooks' path for him to net.
United's players surrounded referee Anthony Taylor in anticipation of him and VAR disallowing the goal for handball, but it was allowed to stand due to an update in the handball rule ahead of the season.
Speaking after the match, Watmore acknowledged that he knew the ball had hit his hand but insisted the goal was right to stand.
"I mean, if I am honest, it was completely accidental," he told ITV Sport. "I know it obviously touched my hand, but it was not intended at all.
"I was hoping it wouldn't be, and wasn't expecting it, but obviously I'll have to see it back, but it didn't feel like it at the time.
"It was amazing to make a difference and to set-up Croosky. We were in the United age group together here, so it is quite special for both of us. The fact he scored was even more special."
