Middlesbrough vs Manchester United as it happened: Jose Mourinho's men move into top five
The home side are winless in 10 games since Christmas as Jose Mourinho's men bid to keep up the pressure in the race for the top four
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Manchester United continue their quest for the top four when they travel to Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho's men won't have it all their own way though against the now managerless Boro after Aitor Karanka left the club on Thursday.
Steve Agnew takes caretaker charge today and will try to change the fortunes of his ailing side who currently sit 19th, five points adrift from safety.
After flattering to deceive against Rostov in the Europa League in midweel, Mourinho will be aware his side will need to improve if they are to keep up with their chase for a Champions League top four spot.
But it will be a much-changed team as Paul Pogba has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and Daley Blind is doubtful. United also have Ander Herrera and Zlatan Ibrahimovic serving suspensions.
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Past three-meetings
Middlesbrough 0 Manchester United 2 (Giggs, Park), Premier League, May 2009.
Manchester United 0 Middlesbrough 0, League Cup, October 2015
Manchester United 2 (Martial, Pogba) Middlesbrough 1 (Leadbitter), Premier League, December 2016
Form guide
Middlesbrough: LDWLLL
Manchester United: WWDDLW
Odds
Middlesbrough to win: 5/1
Manchester United to win: 13/20
Draw: 11/4
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of United's trip to the Riverside Stadium. Steve Agnew will be in charge of Boro today, following the midweek exit of Aitor Karanka, after a disappointing run of form. The home side are winless in 10 games sine Christmas, whereas Mourinho's men enter the clash with armed with a 17-match unbeaten run.
Stay tuned for live updates, team news and minute-by-minute coverage of the action.
Mourinho's side will be a missing a number of key players, due to injury and suspension. Ibrahimovic is missing today's game, which will be music to the ears of the Boro fans. The Swedish striker accounts for nearly a quarter of attacks on goal for Mourinho's side so far this season, so it's safe to say that he will be missed for the visitors.
Kick off at 12:00.
What a game to take charge. At home, in front of a full crowd against a United side that is brimming with confidence. No pressure Agnew...
The players begin to march out onto the pitch at the Riverside. Just minutes until kick-off now.
Stay tuned for minute-by-minute coverage of the action.
KICK OFF
Boro kick off to get the first half underway. Game on.
3 MINS
Boro start the day with the least wins in the Premier League table, but today could be their day to improve under new management. They look like they have started quickly and are putting Mourinho's men under immediate pressure.
Ramirez bursts down the left, but his ball into the box fails to find Negredo.
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