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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Stephen Killen

'Bigger fish to fry' - Mark Lawrenson shares Manchester United vs Middlesbrough prediction

Manchester United return to Old Trafford when they host Middlesbrough in the FA Cup tonight (8pm).

Scott McTominay's header early on against Aston Villa was enough to beat Aston Villa in the third round and Ralf Rangnick's side entered the winter break fourth in the Premier League on the back of successive wins over Brentford and West Ham.

Chris Wilder has enjoyed success during the early stages of his time at the Riverside and travels to the North West quietly confident after winning nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

United prematurely exited the Carabao Cup when West Ham snatched victory at the Theatre of Dreams earlier this season but they will look to book their place in the fifth round of the season's other domestic cup competition.

The FA Cup offers an opportunity for Rangnick to crown his interim spell in charge with a trophy - as they compete in the Champions League while looking to secure qualification for next season's competition.

Should the visitors deliver an upset, it would be the first time that United have bowed out of the competition at the fourth round stage since 2012 when they were beaten by Liverpool.

But how do the pundits think United will get on against Wilder's side?

Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport

Speaking in his latest column BBC Sport, he said: "Middlesbrough have really picked up under Chris Wilder and he has won eight out of his 12 games since he took charge at the start of November.

"We know he is a good manager and he has won at Old Trafford before - with Sheffield United in January 2021.

Do you agree with Lawrenson? Have your say in the comments section below.

"I don't see a repeat result this time though and in any case Boro have bigger fish to fry, because Wilder has them right back in the mix for promotion out of the Championship.

"It will be interesting to see what kind of team United boss Ralf Rangnick puts out, but it should be strong enough for them to get the job done. I don't see any upsets here. Paul Pogba is back from injury and available for the first time since Rangnick took charge. If Pogba is fit, I'd be tempted to start him and let him show him what he can do."

Prediction: Man United 2-0 Middlesbrough

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