Middlesbrough's Emanuel Pogatetz has apologised to Rodrigo Possebon for the tackle that left the Manchester United player needing hospital treatment.

The challenge led to Pogatetz being sent off during Manchester United's 3-1 Carling Cup win on Wednesday night.

Possebon was stretchered off but has not broken his leg as was first feared.

The Boro skipper, said he "misjudged his challenge" and wishes Possebon "a speedy recovery".

"Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball - I now accept, however that I misjudged the challenge," Pogatetz told the club's official website.

"Immediately after the incident I did not think it was a red card offence because I did win the ball.

"But now I that I have had the chance to see the tackle on television, I know the ref was right to send me off.

"I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him.

"I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long."

The challenge came in the 66th minute of the third-round match at Old Trafford and left the 19-year-old requiring six minutes of treatment before he was carried off.

He was taken to hospital and Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday that the Brazilian, who was making his first start for United, had not broken his leg.

A statement on United's official website read: "We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break to his right leg.

"He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee."