Form Guide: After a brief blip in March, Sir Alex’s men have won the last four league games and head to the Riverside on a high after a scintillating performance against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions and currently reside in the relegation zone. Gareth Southgate’s men are desperate for points and will take heart in the fact United have won just three times from the last eight visits to the Riverside.
Ins and Outs: The Reds will travel to the North East without long-term absentee Owen Hargreaves, and Rio Ferdinand is a major doubt after injuring his ribs against Arsenal in midweek. Gary Neville is also expected to be sidelined for another week (foot). As for Middlesbrough, Gareth Southgate will definitely be without Chris Riggott (medial knee ligaments), while Austrian midfielder Emanuel Pogatetz could face a late fitness test on a knee injury sustained against Bolton in early April.
Star Man: Boro forward Afonso Alvez may not be firing on all cylinders this season, but United fans will remember his performance at the Riverside last term. The burly Brazilian bagged two against the Reds on a snow-kissed Sunday in last April’s 2-2 draw.
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire). Halsey has been in charge of United games on three previous occasions this season, all at Old Trafford (Wes Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Everton). In those games, he’s shown a total of just two yellow cards.
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