Middlesbrough face a daunting trip to Old Trafford as they bring 2016 to a close. This year has obviously been one of their best with the club gaining promotion to the Premier League after a long wait of 7 years. While the going hasn’t been always easy, they have nonetheless managed to settle down in this high-intensity league.
While they aren’t by any means guaranteed of safety, the signs have been positive lately. Karanka went all out in the transfer market and while the club did splash the cash, the gaffer admitted that he was still short on players in a couple of positions.
They might strengthen in January but their midfield trio of Forshaw, De Roon and Clayton have impressed and will likely retain their places this season. Negredo has performed in bursts but has been slightly more consistent lately and they need him to carry on in this vein of form. Currently, in the 15th spot, a couple of wins can propel them nearer to the Top 10.
But Boro might have to wait till the next year for that to happen as they face an in-form Manchester United team on New Year’s Eve. United have been lethal lately and seem to have got back their mojo.
A tough 90 minutes on the cards for the Teessiders then.
Predicted 4-3-3 Middlesbrough Lineup Vs Manchester United
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DEFENCE
Victor Valdes will be facing the club with whom he did not have the best of times. Although he shared a good rapport with his former teammates, he will be pumped up to show his mettle. Antonio Barragan is suspended and will have to be replaced.
There is a possibility that Chambers can be shifted to the right-back slot with Gibson and Ayala forming the centre-back pairing. Fabio has kept his place despite Friend’s return and he might be persisted with against United.
