Man United are back in action this week when they take on Middlesbrough in the 4th Round of the FA Cup on Friday.
United have managed to stable their ship after the arrival of Ralf Rangnick and the interim boss will now be looking at the FA Cup as a genuine chance of winning a silverware this campaign.
Manchester United moved into the fourth spot in the Premier League table before the winter break and they will be eager to keep that momentum going in the FA Cup as well. The Old Trafford outfit are undefeated in their last 13 matches against Middlesbrough in all competitions so they are expected to pick up an easy and regulation win.
Middlesbrough are in pretty good form, winning four out of their previous five outings but they are no match for United’s quality, even if Rangnick decides to rest some of his key players and use the benchwarmers.
Ideally, the manager should be looking to use the fringe players but a lot of them have left on loan or on permanent deals in January and at the same time, the club have a genuine shot at winning the FA Cup. This is why Rangnick will want to use the perfect mix of first-team regulars and second-string players.
Man United’s team news vs Middlesbrough:
Since Middlesbrough aren’t the toughest side, De Gea will be rested meaning Dean Henderson will come into the side.
Eric Bailly has returned from AFCON but he is not likely to get a start since Maguire and Lindelof are both available. Rangnick doesn’t need to use Raphael Varane and if Lindelof has overcome his personal problem then he will pair up with Maguire.
Alex Telles was involved with Brazil on international duty and he returned late so he’s not likely to be involved on Friday. Fred was also part of the Brazilian contingent meaning Nemanja Matic will pair up with Scott McTominay in the midfield double pivot.
Ralf Rangnick had claimed that Paul Pogba was scheduled to return after the international break so he could feature in the matchday squad but we don’t think he will get a start on Friday.
Diogo Dalot will be not be used so this is the perfect opportunity for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to start at right-back.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphaël Varane, Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford arriving at Carrington this morning #mulive [men] pic.twitter.com/qqDmSOVbDo
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 31, 2022
Mason Greenwood has been removed from the Man United squad so Jadon Sancho will come into the side, playing as the right-winger with Anthony Elanga operating on the other side.
Neither Ronaldo nor Cavani will feature on Friday and with Anthony Martial moving out last month, Rashford is going to be the one who will lead the line in this 4th Round clash.
Man United possible absentees vs Middlesbrough:
Fred – Returned late from international duty – To be rested.
Alex Telles – Returned late from international duty – To be rested.
Mason Greenwood – Unavailable.
Paul Pogba – Fitness Issue.
Man United vs Middlesbrough – Date, venue and how to watch:
Date – 4th February 2022, 20:00 GMT
Venue – Old Trafford
How to watch – ITV(UK)
Read: This Man United player could finally prove his worth in the second half of the season.
Stats via Fotmob
