Manchester United will lock horns with Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Friday night, hoping to pick up a win in the fourth round of the FA Cup competition. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham United whereas the visitors recorded a similar victory over Coventry on January 29.
Team News
Alex Telles (Brazil), Fred (Brazil) and Edinson Cavani (Uruguay) have been at the World Cup qualifiers, so it remains to be seen if they can start on Friday.
‘Victor Lindelof and Jadon Sancho missed the dramatic win over West Ham United due to personal reasons and it is hoped Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains on schedule to return from illness. Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba’s fitness will need to be assessed but there is a possibility both could be available for selection.’ – Manchester United’s official website stated.
Mason Greenwood remains suspended until further notice after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
Ralf Rangnick will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with a couple of tweaks from the last game. In defence, Luke Shaw might get the nod over Alex Telles, whereas Marcus Rashford seems likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Predicted Manchester United Lineup Vs Middlesbrough
Defence
David de Gea is expected to start between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Spanish shot-stopper would be looking to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Friday.
Raphael Varane is expected to start at the heart of United’s backline with skipper Harry Maguire slotting into the right-centre back position. Luke Shaw is a guaranteed starter at the left-back position, whereas Diogo Dalot will fill in on the other flank as the right-back.
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Midfield
Scott McTominay is expected to start in the defensive midfield position, whereas Paul Pogba will slot in as the central midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes remains a sure-fire starter for Manchester United this week, and it’ll be an understatement to say The Red Devils will be highly dependent on the Portugal international’s creative work if they wish to pick up a win on Friday night.
Nemanja Matic will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the second half of the contest if needed.
Attack
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga will take up the wide positions, causing menace for Chris Wilder’s men down the right and left-wing respectively.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line for Manchester United against Boro. The 36-year-old striker’s adept movement in front of the goal could cause a lot of trouble for the Middlesbrough defence that has conceded five goals in their last five matches across all competitions.
Jadon Sancho could be brought off the bench as an impact substitute in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
