A memorable 3-2 victory for Bryan Robson’s team in the 1998-99 season was followed by a 1-0 smash and grab victory for Steve McClaren last season on his return to Old Trafford.
Dare I say it, with United not firing on all cylinders this season, they are there for the taking. The distractions of the Roy Keane affair and a number of injuries mean that they could be fielding several inexperienced players.
Alex Fergusson has included new signing Ricardo Lopez along with youngsters John O’Shea, Paul Tierney, Michael Stewart and Danny Pugh in an 18-man squad.
Mikael Silvestre (neck) and Nicky Butt (toe) are doubtful while Paul Scholes (ankle), Gary Neville (foot), Wes Brown (ankle) and Fabien Barthez (hip) are definitely out. Keane will miss the game with a hip injury!
Boro have minor doubts over Ugo Ehiogu (foot), Franck Queudrue (ankle) and Alen Boksic (thigh) but all are expected to play. Noel Whelan returns to the squad after missing the Blackburn game.
If you're going to the game enjoy yourself, if you’re not going get to the pub early, it’s an 8pm kick-off on Sky Premiership Plus. Either way get your money on 1-0 Boro again.