Manchester United will be looking to book a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup when they take on Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Friday night.
The Reds go into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over West Ham prior to the winter break, whilst the visitors ran out 1-0 winners over Coventry last weekend.
Ralf Rangnick is widely expected to make changes to his starting eleven to face Middlesbrough with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga all likely to start.
The FA Cup may not have necessarily been top of every Reds fan wish list this season but it arguably represents United’s best chance of winning a trophy this season and, in facing Middlesbrough on Friday night, it provides the Reds a great opportunity to progress to the fifth round.
Middlesbrough currently sit sixth in the Championship table and are one of the favourites to get promoted back to the Premier League this season and, in order for United to get past Boro, they will undoubtedly need to be at their very best.
Games against Middlesbrough in the past have always been banana skins for United and if Rangnick doesn’t take this game seriously, then United could easily crash out the FA Cup here.
It’s hard to believe it’s almost five years ago since United last won a trophy but with the league title out of reach and with the European Cup looking a big ask, the FA Cup remains United best chance of getting some silverware this season.
It’s a game United dare not lose and one which I don’t think they will do albeit it wont be a walk in the park.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Middlesbrough
My prediction on d match is 4-0