Red Devils host in-form second division side
729 entrants are in the FA Cup, with only 32 teams now vying for the title in the oldest cup competition in history. The first round of 16 winner will be determined at the Theatre of Dreams. Interim coach Ralf Rangnick and Manchester United host second division side Middlesbrough
In contrast to the German Cup, only the draw decides who gets home. This means that the underdogs also have to play away from home, which reduces the chance of a surprise. In general, the FA Cup is not necessarily known for delivering countless sensations, because this traditional competition is too important for many top teams.
Ralf Rangnick’s B-team is accordingly not to be expected and that is why the bookmakers are only offering odds of just over 1.30 for a home win in the cup match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough. The match kicks off at Old Trafford on Friday evening at 8pm.
Manchester United – Statistics & current form
Despite the international break, the Red Devils have been far from quiet in recent days. The English top club had to deal with the nasty allegations against youngster Mason Greenwood, but quickly made things clear. Suspension including elimination from the fanshop and offering all fans the chance to exchange a flocked Greenwood jersey for free.
Pochettino ante portas?
In addition to the Greenwood story, there are always rumours about Rangnick’s successor. The German is known to only be with the Red Devils on an interim basis until the end of the season, before a major solution should be presented. It is true that there are always rumours that Rangnick would like to stay longer. However, there is also the matter of Pochettino, who will probably have to vacate his chair at PSG.
However, this is all pie in the sky, the present is a compulsory task in the cup. There can be no excuses at home against a second-division team and only progress counts. The international break actually only affected the two Brazilians Alex Telles and Fred as well as Edinson Cavani. They will be back in England in time, but it is likely that Rangnick will give them a break. Otherwise, the injured Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw will not be options.
21 points in ten Rangnick games
Playing-wise, Manchester United still have room to improve, but measured by results, there is clear progress under Rangnick. There have now been ten competitive games under his aegis, six of which have ended in triumph, three of which have resulted in a draw and only at home to Wolverhampton did the Red Devils concede a defeat. Rangnick thus averages 2.10 points per game as United coach.
The often shaky defence in particular has improved significantly. Only seven goals were conceded in these ten games. Accordingly, one of our top three tips for Manchester United against Middlesbrough is that both teams will not score.
Predicted Manchester United line-up:
Henderson – Jones, Lindelöf, Bailly, Dalot – McTominay, Matic – Lingard, Fernandes, Elanga – Rashford
Last matches played by Manchester United:
Premier League
01/22 2022 – Manchester United 1 – 0 West Ham
01/19 2022 – Brentford 1 – 3 Manchester United
01/15 2022 – Aston Villa 2 – 2 Manchester United
FA Cup
01/10 2022 – Manchester United 1 – 0 Aston Villa
Premier League
01/03 2022 – Manchester United 0 – 1 Wolverhampton
Middlesbrough – Statistics & current form
The club from the north-east of England celebrated their greatest club success in 2004 when they won the often ridiculed League Cup. At that time, the Red and Whites were still in the top flight, but since their relegation in 2008/09, the traditional club has only made a brief guest appearance in the English Premier League. Time and again, the club failed to return to the Premier League.
Hopeful Chris Wilder
Also this season, it looked for a long time as if the team would not be able to serve its own demands. In early November, the ripcord was pulled and 73-year-old veteran coach Neil Warnock was relieved of his duties. At the time, the club was only 14th in the Championship.
His successor was the long-time Sheffield United success coach Chris Wilder. His high as a coach ended with a disastrous 2020/21 season with the Blades, now he is back in the coaching business and leading Middlesbrough back to the top. Under Wilder, Boro has played twelve games so far and his points average reads even slightly better than that of Ralf Rangnick. On average, Middlesbrough have collected 2.12 points per game (eight wins, two draws, two defeats).
The league is the priority
Thanks to strong performances, the Premier League is suddenly a topic again for Middlesbrough. The team is currently in seventh place in the table, but still has two games to play and would be in a play-off place on points lost. The gap to the direct promotion spot (second place) is currently eight points.
In any case, the Championship is an extremely tough place and there are still several English weeks on the agenda in the spring of 2022. Despite the tradition in the FA Cup, it is not playing first fiddle at the moment. The chance to return to the PL is there and has absolute priority. Therefore, the guests are not to be expected in their best line-up, a little rotation seems likely.
Despite very good form (five wins in the last six league games), the surprise potential in this duel is not given. Instead, the forecast for Manchester United against Middlesbrough is a clear home win.
Predicted line-up of Middlesbrough:
Lumley – Fry, McNair, Dijksteel – Taylor, Crooks, Howson, Tavernier, Jones – Sporar, Connolly
Last games played by Middlesbrough:
Championship
01/29 2022 – Middlesboro 1 – 0 Coventry
01/24 2022 – Blackburn 1 – 0 Middlesboro
01/15 2022 – Middlesboro 2 – 1 Reading
FA Cup
01/08 2022 – Mansfield 2 – 3 Middlesboro
Championship
12/29 2021 – Blackpool 1 – 2 Middlesboro
Manchester United – Middlesbrough Direct comparison / H2H record
For the first time in almost five years, the two teams face each other in a competitive match. In 2016/17, “Boro” made a brief guest appearance in the English Premier League before direct relegation. In the games against the Red Devils, the promoted team remained pointless both times. However, in both matches between Manchester United and Middlesbrough, the prediction on goals from both teams was the right choice. Across competitions, Manchester United have won just over half of their duels, with 64 wins in 126 competitive matches.
Manchester United – Middlesbrough Tip
Given the record of both coaches, the clubs feel vindicated that a coaching change was the right decision. Both Rangnick and Wilder provided an upswing, accordingly, two teams will face each other on Friday, which can show a broad chest. Qualitatively, however, the difference is undeniable and accordingly the odds on offer for Manchester United against Middlesbrough are very one-sided.
Despite tremendous qualities in attacking play, Manchester United do not regularly produce scoring sprees with three or more goals. However, for the FA Cup match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough, our tip is “Manchester United -1.5”. Rangnick can back up the rumours that he will remain boss for longer with success. Middlesbrough focus on the league in order to be able to travel to Old Trafford again next year on a regular basis. Differences in quality and motivation make for this bet.
