Manchester United vs Middlesbrough prediction: How will FA Cup fixture play out tonight?

02/04/2022

Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United take on Middlesbrough

Manchester United welcome Middlesbrough to Old Trafford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Ralf Rangnick’s side had a reasonably quiet January transfer window, with no major incomings.

First-team players Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial departed on loan.

Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough are sixth in the Championship after a narrow victory against Coventry, with Slovenian star Andraz Sporar the scorer of the only goal of the game.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fourth round tie:

Paul Pogba could make his return to action for Manchester United after making the final steps of his recovery during the winter break. Eric Bailly may also be in contention after the Ivory Coast’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, and may be joined in the defensive selection mix by Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who should be available after missing Manchester United’s last business before the break. Mason Greenwood will not return to training or matches until further notice.

Ralf Rangnick reportedly riled Dean Henderson by selecting David De Gea in goal against Aston Villa in the third round, and may be tempted to attempt to rebuild bridges by giving the goalkeeper a start.

Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun snared an assist from the bench against Coventry, and Chris Wilder may be tempted to give the youngster a start ahead of fellow temporary signing Aaron Connolly, who has struggled to make an impact since arriving from Brighton.

James Lea Siliki is part of the Cameroon squad at the Africa Cup of Nations, and thus unavailable, though the midfielder has not played a single minute under Chris Wilder and unlikely to figure regardless.

Predicted line-ups

Manchester United XI: Henderson; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani.

Middlesbrough XI: Lumley; Dijksteel, Fry, McNair; Jones, Crooks, Howson, Tavernier, Taylor; Sporar, Balogun.

Odds

Manchester United win: 4/11

Draw: 17/4

Middlesbrough win: 10/1

Manchester United vs Middlesbrough prediction: How will FA Cup fixture play out tonight?

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