After moving to the quarters of the Europa League, Manchester United will now shift their focus back to the Premier League. The Red Devils will take on a struggling Middlesbrough in their next match in a bid to have a go for the top four positions. Jose Mourinho’s side defeated FC Rostov 1-0 in the last match to book a berth in the quarters of the Europa League. Juan Mata scored a solitary goal as the English side kept their hopes alive for a double in this season.
Middlesbrough have recently parted ways with their long term manager Aitor Karanka. Karanka did get them back to the Premier League but has never looked convincing this season. Scoring goals have been a problem for them. The likes of Alvaro Negredo and Rudy Gestede haven’t been impressive and as a result, they are reeling in the relegation zone.
United have two matches in their hand and should make use of them. The visitors will be without Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Daley Blind. Both Pogba and Blind injured themselves while playing in the Europa League second leg. Ibrahimovic and Herrera won’t be available as they are serving a suspension.
The Red Devils haven’t lost in the League since October but have drawn ten matches which have minimised their hopes of finishing in the top four. It would be a tough task for Mourinho and they need to get maximum points from the remaining matches to boost their chances of an automatic qualification for the Champions League.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Lineup Vs Middlesbrough
Defence
David De Gea has been a mainstay in the United goal and should keep his place.
Mourinho went with a three-man defence against Rostov but will stick to his four-man defence here. Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly will pair up for the challenge against the Middlesbrough attack.
Marcos Rojo has been gradually improving and will be the preferable choice on the left side.
Antonio Valencia will continue on the right side.
Midfield
The injury to Paul Pogba has made the task difficult for Jose Mourinho. Pogba had to be subbed off and Marouane Fellaini replaced him. Mourinho will opt for Fellaini and Michael Carrick in the midfield.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will once again have the chance to prove his attacking credentials. He will start in the no. 10 role.
Attack
The absence of Anthony Martial means Jesse Lingard will have a shot in this match and will start on the left flank.
Juan Mata will be on the other flank.
Marcus Rashford will start on the frontline.
