Manchester United v. Middlesbrough - Match Preview

Manchester United will have to show their 'bouncebackability' in order to put their mid-week Carling Cup Semi Final defeat by Chelsea behind them and concentrate on the task ahead with Middlesbrough.

The Red Devils must be on top-form to send Steve McClaren's impressive Middlesbrough out of the Cup and will have to avoid complacency.

Sir Alex Ferguson nearly suffered a shock knock-out by the hands of Conference side Exeter City, who forced a 3rd Round Replay with United. The Red Devils were held to an embarrassing goalless draw at Old Trafford. United scraped through however, thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in the replay.

Ferguson dubbed the Exeter performance as "the worst FA Cup performance" he'd ever seen in his tenure and will not tolerate further displays like that..

The Scotsman has praised 6th place Middlesbrough and admitted they will always be difficult opponents. "Middlesbrough are always difficult opponents and we're well aware that it's going to be a real Cup tie, but we're ready for a real Cup tie," 

Regarding the Carling Cup exit, Ferguson added: "The Chelsea result was obviously a big disappointment for us especially as we had the game by the throat in terms of control, and it looked as though there was only going to be one winner - that's the way I looked at it anyway."

"But then you get kicked in the teeth by a free-kick from 45 yards out. The players know they should have done better and will quite easily hold their hands up and say it's their own fault."

Ferguson also heaped praise former United college Steve McClaren, who was once Ferguson's right-hand man at Old Trafford. "Steve obviously had a good spell with us but he wanted to go into management and I think he made the right decision," 

"He's done a great job at Middlesbrough and his team have got a good blend of youth and experience."

Alan Smith is likely to miss yet another game with an ankle injury, so too Darren Fletcher, who is also suffering from ankle problems.

Ugo Ehiogu, Mark Viduka, Stuart Parnaby, Gaizka Mendieta, George Boateng, Chris Riggott and Malcolm Christie are all long-term absentees whilst Michael Reiziger is set to start despite a hairline fracture of the toe.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 2 - 1 Middlesbrough - I fear United will find it hard to bounce-back from the Chelsea defeat, but as it's the FA Cup and we're the current holders, I'm backing United to make it through.