Manchester United vs Middlesbrough LIVE: FA Cup latest score and goal updates tonight
Follow all the latest updates from the FA Cup fourth round meeting at Old Trafford
Manchester United are taking on Middlesbrough tonight as they meet in the FA Cup fourth round. The two clubs have not come up against one another since 2017, with Boro sitting seventh in the Championship and looking to climb back into the Premier League.
Ralf Rangnick’s side had a reasonably quiet January transfer window, with no major incomings as first-team players Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial departed on loan, although Paul Pogba is back to fitness after a lengthy period out injured.
Boro manager Chris Wilder won on his last visit to Old Trafford while in charge of Sheffield United, and will hope talented Slovenian Andraz Sporar can continue his impressive season when they visit tonight. After United’s scratchy third round win against Aston Villa, Middlesbrough will be looking to pounce and cause a cup surprise. Middlesbrough were below their best last time out against Coventry but ground out a 1-0 win.
Follow all the latest updates below.
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Just over 15 minutes to go until kick off. Manchester United have put out a strong team. They will want to dominate this game from the start and progress to the fifth round. Paul Pogba returns this evening, how will he get on?
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Manchester United interim boss, Ralf Rangnick, spoke about his decision to start with Dean Henderson instead of number one goalkeeper David De Gea this evening and called that Henderson has been ‘outstanding’ in training. Rangnick said:
With him, we have a fantastic goalkeeper. His training performances since I arrived have been outstanding and that’s why I have decided to give him a game tonight in front of a sold-out Old Trafford stadium. He more than deserves that.”
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough: Ralf Rangnick explains why Donny van de Beek did not play at Manchester United
Donny van de Beek‘s lack of playing time at Manchester United was due to having too much competition for a place in midfield, according to interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Van de Beek joined Everton on loan on the final day of the January transfer window having failed to start a Premier League game during his time at Old Trafford this season, under either Rangnick or his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Netherlands international made appearances in five of Rangnick’s 10 games in charge since taking over in early December, but only started the Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys.
Ralf Rangnick explains why Donny van de Beek did not play at Manchester United
Van de Beek joined Everton on loan after lack of opportunities at Old Trafford
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 83 goals in 108 competitive games for Man Utd since his debut two years ago (47 goals, 36 assists) – 38 more than any other player at the club.
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Paul Pogba returns for Man Utd this evening and is given his first start under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. Rangnick has been impressed with Pogba in training but says he still isn’t sure of the 28-year-old’s best position. Rangnick said:
What I’ve seen so far, with regard to his physique, his physical presence, his technical assets he has. I think his best position is a central midfield position.
“I don’t see him that much as a winger. By saying that, I wouldn’t say he cannot, at all, play that position. But we have quite a few players for the winger position right now.
“I see his best possible position as central midfield, if it’s a 6 or an 8, I have to see. I haven’t seen him play so far. If you ask me right now, probably the no.8 position.”
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s last visit to Old Trafford was full of drama. Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba struck in the final five minutes to turn a 1-0 defeat into a 2-1 victory on New Year’s Eve in 2016.
Manchester United completed the league double over Boro the following spring, in their only top-flight campaign since 2009.
Back in 2015, the north-east side did cause a shock at Old Trafford when knocking out Louis van Gaal’s Reds on penalties, after a goalless League Cup fourth-round tie.
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough: Mason Greenwood news: Manchester United left in ‘unusual situation’ says manager Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick has said that Manchester United are in an “unusual situation” following Mason Greenwood’s arrest but called on his players to come together and ensure they have a successful end to the season.
Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault of a young woman on Sunday, then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill while in custody.
The 20-year-old was released on bail by Greater Manchester Police pending further investigation on Wednesday but will remain suspended by United, not playing or training at the club “until further notice”.
Manchester United left in ‘unusual situation’ by Mason Greenwood, says Ralf Rangnick
Rangnick says Greenwood arrest was factor in Jesse Lingard decision
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough: Henderson starts ahead of De Gea
No goalkeeper made more saves than Manchester United’s David De Gea during January in the big five European leagues, while according to Opta’s xG On Target metric, he prevented more goals than any Premier League goalkeeper in this period (2.6).
Dean Henderson is between the sticks for United tonight though. Can he prove his credentials again and push for the No. 1 goalkeeping spot?
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough: Team changes
Ralf Rangnick makes five changes to the Manchester United line-up from the team that started against Aston Villa in the third round of the competition. Dean Henderson comes in to replace David De Gea in goal with Harry Maguire partnering Raphael Varane in defence. Paul Pogba replaces Fred, Jadon Sancho is back and Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line.
Chris Wilder makes a whole lot of changes from the last FA Cup game. Only goalkeeper Joe Lumley, captain Jonny Howson and defender Paddy McNair keep their places from the victory over Mansfield. Folarin Balogun makes his first start for Boro since joining on loan from Arsenal in January.
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough: Line-ups
Manchester United XI: Henderson, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Pogba, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo
Middlesbrough XI: Lumley, McNair, Djiksteel, Fry, Jones, Howson, Crooks, Tavernier, Taylor, Sporar, Balogun
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