Manchester United v Middlesbrough Betting Tips [4 February 2022]

Manchester United host Middlesbrough for the fourth round of the FA Cup at old Trafford on Friday. Both teams find themselves in fairy good form heading into this match. The hosts have only lost once in their last 13 matches and are coming off a massive 1-0 home win vs West Ham - a result which propelled them to fourth in the Premier League table. Middlesbrough have been on a similarly prosperous run, winning eight of their last 10 matches and only recording one loss. Their last match was a 1-0 home victory to Coventry. The recent stretch of good results has seen Boro surge up the table and they currently occupy the sixth, and final, promotion playoff spot. The FA Cup, the oldest club football tournament in the world, is famous for its shock results throughout the years. Can underdogs Middlesbrough continue the tradition and slay the giants of Manchester? 

The short answer - not likely. United have a record of six wins, three draws and one defeat since Ralf Rangnick took over as interim manager. The Red Devils have definitely improved under the German’s leadership, although they certainly haven’t had the toughest of schedules. Still, United have been able to handle their business against weaker teams and have now recorded two straight home clean sheets. Middlesbrough will likely struggle to find the net in this match - their home form has been strong but they’ve struggled on the attacking side in their away matches. In 13 away matches in the Championship Boro has failed to score in six of 13 and two of their last three matches. A tally of only 11 away goals in 13 matches does not bode well for them as they will be coming up against a quickly improving Manchester United side.