For the third time this season, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a penalty row against Middlesbrough as Manchester United booked an FA Cup semi-final meeting with Watford and kept alive their treble dream.

Branded a cheat by Gareth Southgate for what the Boro boss felt was a clear dive at the Riverside earlier this season, Ronaldo subsequently rammed home the penalty which earned United their quarter-final replay nine days ago after George Boateng had handled at close range inside his own box.

And on Monday night, in a tie that seemed to be heading inexorably for extra-time, Ronaldo was the man sent flying again as Jonathan Woodgate made his only mistake of the night.

The pair 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 to a dream Wembley showdown with title rivals Chelsea on May 19th.

Jose Mourinho's side made it through to the semi-finals after two spectacular strikes put them in charge against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Andriy Shevchenko opened the scoring on 55 minutes with an incredible left-foot strike that found the top corner, and Shaun Wright-Phillips doubled their advantage six minutes later with an equally impressive goal following an excellent Chelsea move.

Robbie Keane halved the deficit with a 79th minute penalty but it proved too little too late for Spurs.

Chelsea will meet Blackburn in the semi-finals.