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As it happenedended1489933561

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

Joe Miles
Sunday 19 March 2017 08:28 EDT
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Jose Mourinho's men need all three points in the race for the top four
Jose Mourinho's men need all three points in the race for the top four (Getty)

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Head shot of Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

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

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23 MINS

Two fantastic saves from Valdes deny United the opener. Mata delivers the ball into the box to Rashford, who strikes it from close range. The shot is denied by the keeper and it falls to Valencia who goes for goal, but he fails to open the scoring due to another tremendous stop from the Spaniard. 

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:24
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25 MINS

Yellow card: Jones is booked for crashing into Negredo.

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:25
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28 MINS

United are beginning to dominate at the Riverside, following a lacklustre start from the visitors. The ball is pulled back inside of the area to Lingard, but once again they lack the final product. 

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:28
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30 MINS

GOAL

MIDDLESBROUGH 1 - 0 MANCHESTER UNITED

Fellaini opens the scoring and it comes of no surprise that it's a header. Young delivers a ball towards the back post, that finds the scorer in between a bundle of red shirts. The Belgian leaps high and heads it home. 

Game on!

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:31
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32 MINS

Fabio whips a deep ball into the box, it finds Negredo's head but the attempt flies wide. 

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:32
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33 MINS

Yellow card: Clayton is booked for standing in front of a United free kick. 

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:33
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36 MINS

Leadbitter cleverly flicks a ball through to De Roon and a slip from Jones almost presents the chance on a plate for Negredo. Boro's movement in the United box is impressive, but their efforts remain unrewarded. 

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:36
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39 MINS

Fabio lunges into Carrick, but the Middlesbrough lad is not happy about the decision of a foul. His frustration is evident as he screams at the referee.

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:40
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41 MINS

Bernardo is once again a victim of Rashford's rapid speed, as the youngster breaks through the Middlesbrough defence. He pulls the ball back into the box, but Valdes leaps out to claim possession.

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:41
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43 MINS

Leadbitter delivers a deep corner into the box, but Fabio pushes Smalling to the ground and it's a United free kick. It's a wasted set piece. 

Joe Miles19 March 2017 12:44

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