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
HALF TIME
MIDDLESBROUGH 1 - 0 MANCHESTER UNITED
Boro enter the interval chasing a one goal deficit, following a headed goal from Fellaini. Agnew's men started well, but as the game progressed, the visitors managed to exploit the defensive weaknesses of Middlesbrough. The lack of pace allowed the United forward's to break them down and create the chances. However, judging on the first half display, the home side are far from out of this.
46 MINS
Smalling attempts to head the ball back into the hands of De Gea, but he takes a tumble and ends up on his chest. To his relief, there were no Boro players hunting down possession.
49 MINS
Boro deliver a corner into the area, but Fellaini leaps above the group once again and heads the ball to safety. He's a tremendous aerial asset to have within the side.
52 MINS
Ramirez bursts down the left-hand side, but his delivery into the box fails to beat the first man and it's cleared. They certainly look menacing going forward, but it's not enough to equalise the scoring.
55 MINS
Ramirez picks up an over the top through ball, but Young bursts back to redeem possession.
58 MINS
Agnew's men move up the pitch, but United sit back and allow them to control possession. Downing delivers the final ball into the box with the outside of his boot, but once again it fails to beat the first man.
61 MINS
Boro still have 60% of possession so far, but they are just failing to make progress up the pitch.
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