Manchester United vs Middlesbrough Betting Tips

Boro were victorious in this city in the FA Cup last season when they produced an excellent 2-0 win against Manchester City. They are probably a stronger team this year and on their day are certainly a very effective unit and could well be visiting Old Trafford as a Premier League side next season.

The Teeside club are 4th in the Championship but have arguably been more impressive than leaders Brighton. They overcame a recent slump with a stunning late comeback at Wolves at the weekend when they scored 3 times in the last 20 minutes to win the game with Diego Fabbrini, Grant Leadbitter and Stewart Downing netting the goals.

The quality and size of their squad is impressive for a Championship side and they have numerous players who would not be out of place in the top flight, including Downing who surprisingly made the decision to take the step down to join his boyhood club in the summer.

Of course Manchester United are favourites but Louis Van Gaal will have one eye on a difficult trip to Selhurst Park in the league on Saturday and is certain to rest players here. With Champions League progress far from guaranteed and CSKA visiting Old Trafford in just 6 days it is fair to say that the Capital One Cup won’t be high up on his list of priorities.

Manchester United’s 3-0 win at Everton is their only really convincing performance in their last 5 games and if they are below par again here then Middlesbrough could well take advantage and the visitors are good value to at least avoid defeat in the 90 minutes at 9/5.

It might be just too big an ask for them to win the game outright though even if this is a weakened United side. As well as their win at Eastlands last season, they took Liverpool to penalties at Anfield in this competition and won’t fear a trip to Old Trafford like many lower league sides might.

Therefore consider backing this to head into extra-time with a 1-1 draw, which is available at odds of 15/2.