Summary: Manchester United entertain a struggling Middlesbrough side who are on a 7 game winless streak. Manchester themselves have been a bit below par in the last month but have still managed 4 wins and 2 draws since their 2-1 loss at Arsenal. On Boxing Day, Manchester United left it till late to breach a stubborn Stoke defence when Tevez converted a Berbatov dink across goal in the 83rd minute, ensuring all 3 points and a 1-0 win. Middlesbrough suffered the exact reverse with a 1-0 loss to Everton in a toothless performance. Middlesbrough's defence was breached time and time again and if it wasn't for Everton's lack of strikers, then the away side may of rung up a cricket score. For this encounter, the reigning champions will continue without the services of Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, and long term absentee Wes Brown. Exciting right-back, Rafael, is likely to replace Neville whereas Evans and O'Shea will join Vidic at the back. Middlesbrough have few injury worries with only Digard absent.
Verdict: Manchester United have faced stubborn opposition in the last month, managing only 3 goals in their last 5 encounters but it must be noted that four of those occasions were away from Old Trafford. Manchester are prolific scorers at home, scoring at a league high 2.7 goals per game. Add to this the fact that Middlesbrough have only kept one clean sheet on their travels and it is likely that goals will be the order of the day. Despite their defensive lapses, Middlesbrough have a dangerous strike force with the likes of Tuncay, Aliadiere, Mido, Downing, and Johnson able to breach the best of defences on their day. Manchester's rearguard has suffered major alterations in the last fortnight so the away team cannot be written off from finding the back of the net here.
