Manchester United vs Middlesbrough live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on and where can I watch it?
A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The master meets the apprentice at Old Trafford as Aitor Karanka and his Middlesbrough team travel to face Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.
Karanka worked under Mourinho during his ill-fated three-year spell at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 and still considers the Portuguese to be “a real friend”.
Both men, however, will be hoping for three points, with the hosts looking to extend their Premier League winning streak to five games after Monday’s victory over Sunderland.
Follow live updates on our blog below...
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
It’s a big game for…
Victor Valdes: The Middlesbrough goalkeeper is going back to Old Trafford where he failed to get much game time under Louis Van Gaal. The Spaniard will be looking to prove to his former employers that he can still do a job between the sticks.
Best stat…
100: This will be the hundredth meeting between Manchester United and Middlesbrough with the former taking 50 wins, Middlesbrough 22 and the 27 other fixtures ending in draws.
Remember when...
Gaizka Mendieta scored the fourth goal in a remarkable 4-1 drubbing of United back in 2005, co-incidentally the last time Boro have triumphed over the Manchester club.
Player to watch…
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: The fan favourite has really impressed since being given more game time by Jose Mourinho. In his first game back from injury on Boxing Day he netted that ingenious scorpion kick in the closing moments. Boro will need to keep the Armenian playmaker quiet to quell any attacks from the hosts.
Past three meetings…
Manchester United 0 Middlesbrough 0 (Middlesbrough win on penalties), EFL Cup, October 2015
Middlesbrough 0 Manchester United 2 (Giggs, Park Ji Sung), Premier League, May 2009
Manchester United 1 (Berbatov) Middlesbrough 0, EFL Cup, December 2008
Form guide…
Manchester United: DWWWWW
Middlesbrough: DWLLWL
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 15:00, Saturday 31 December 2016
TV: Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC TWO – 10pm
Odds…
Manchester United to win: 2/7
Middlesbrough: 12/1
Draw: 5/1
Just over 10 minutes to go until this afternoon's action, when Chelsea can extend their lead at the summit to nine points over second-placed Liverpool, who play Manchester City in the evening kick-off at Anfield. It could be a pivotal day in the title race.
Down at the bottom, it's also a big day for Sunderland, who know victory over Burnley at Turf Moor will take them out of the bottom three.
Leicester 0-0 West Ham
Almost an early breakthrough for the hosts as Slimani heads against the post.
Man Utd 0-0 Middlesbrough
The away side should be ahead at Old Trafford! Adama Traore leads a three-man Boro break but instead of passing he elects to shoot. Wide. Very wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Stoke City
No goals at Stamford Bridge and not too much to warm the crowd. Eden Hazard has a 20-yard shot blocked for a corner as Chelsea settle to their task.
Manchester United 0-0 Middlesbrough
So close for United! Paul Pogba with a scissor-kick which grazes the outside of the post. Middlesbrough have played well in the early stages but United a whisker away from the first goal through their record signing.
Chelsea 0-0 Stoke City
Stoke scent a chance as Chelsea defender Azpilicueta is forced to cleared the ball from in front of goal.
At the other end, Costa brings down Fabregas's pass and forces a good save from Grant. This one is livening up.
Still waiting...
...for the first Premier League goal of the afternoon. Goalless in all six of the Premier League kick-offs.
GOAL - Leicester 1-0 West Ham
Right on cue, the first goal of the afternoon goes to Leicester City as Slimani heads home from Albrighton's cross. No chance for Randolph.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments