Terrace Talk

Last time United played Middlesbrough, the put on a masterclass performance from Ronaldo, Nani, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney. The prototype of the constant interchanging football team, full of spirit and audaciously creative in their passing worked to perfection at Old Trafford. In their current form it is difficult to see how United will not repeat history.

Nani made a statement of intent right from the start, beating three Middlesbrough players and scoring a beautiful curling shot from 30 yards, beating Mark Schwarzer in the top right corner. Nani was not done, and in the 33rd minute he robbed Stewart Downing before feeding Wayne Rooney for what was his 8th goal in 7 games. To further underline United’s supremacy, Rooney and Tevez began stealing the show. After the break, their interplay was a marvel of modern football and will surely be a highlight of United’s campaign. Tevez’s first goal came from a beautiful Wayne Rooney backheel that left the entire defense exposed. The game would eventually end 4-1 in United’s favor.

While Middlesbrough were on the receiving end of a rampant United side, they are normally more difficult to contain. In fact, recent history has been seen Middlesbrough regularly steal points from the top sides, with them drawing 1-1 in the final game of last season as well as the first leg of an FA Cup game against United. In the 2005-2006 season, United left the Riverside with plenty of bruises and an even greater bruised ego, after a 4-1 mauling, thanks to a career day for Gaizka Mendieta. It is a fact, that Middlesbrough are able to bring their greatest form against the top sides, with 5 wins, 9 draws, and 11 loses to the top four sides in the last three years (including the FA Cup). While United have a decent record against Middlesbrough, we also have a ratio of 1.28 goals allowed per game, which is the highest of the four “big teams” in England. Our only saving grace being our offensive displays against Middlesbrough.

While the story should be United’s attacking prowess, the story this week has focused on Gary Neville’s imminent return from his long term injury that hasn’t seen him in a play in the first team since last March. He has had numerous reserve outings in the last six months, but he may at least make the bench tomorrow. His last outing was against Newcastle on Monday night.

The injury to Nemanja Vidic requires that Wes Brown most likely will slot next Rio Ferdinand, requiring John O’Shea or Gerrard Pique to deputize in the right back position. This only leaves Gary Neville as a substitute, but if United are truly ahead significantly by the hour mark, it is almost assured that the Englishman will have a part in the contest.

For Middlesbrough they will have Fabio Rochemback back from injury. Robert Huth will most likely not participate, while Mido is out for the season, having had a hernia operation. This will leave Tuncay Sanli and Jeremie Aliadiere attacking the United net.

In addition to this preview, head over to the United Zone Forum’s Matchday thread for numerous stats, pictures, and in game commentary from members. One member figures Stewart Downing is Boro’s most danger player!!!