Manchester United v Middlesbrough
The FA Cup, Fourth Round
Old Trafford, Manchester
29 January 2005



Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren has held a crisis meeting with his defence ahead of their FA Cup clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

England's assistant coach, steeling himself for another duel with mentor Sir Alex Ferguson, called his back-four together to analyse what went wrong in the final few minutes of last Saturday's astonishing 4-4 draw at Norwich.

Boro were leading 4-1 with ten minutes to go and McClaren wants to try to ensure there is no repeat of such a collapse.

Left-back Franck Queudrue, who scored twice against Norwich, admitted: "I still haven't a clue what happened towards the end of the game.

"But we know we will have to concentrate for 95 minutes this time. We're capable of scoring but we need to correct things defensively. If we do, maybe we have a chance of going through.

"But it will be tough. Cristiano Ronaldo is strong and has skill and pace - he's got everything. Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs can swap wings, so it will be very difficult for us. Your concentration has to be just right for every single minute against Man. United.''

Boro won their first major trophy when they lifted the Carling Cup last season and thereby qualified for the UEFA Cup, where they are through to the last 32.

But Queudrue said: "The FA Cup is still the biggest competition in the country.

It's the most important competition - maybe more than the UEFA Cup - so we really want to do something against Man. United.''

Boro drew 1-1 at Old Trafford this season, a game which provided a showcase for the Teessiders' talented youngsters.

Winger Stewart Downing, who has been praised by Sven-Goran Eriksson's England ahead of the forthcoming friendly with Holland at Villa Park, gave Boro the lead before Alan Smith equalised late in the game.

Boro also handed right-back Tony McMahon a Premiership debut, midfielder James Morrison his first top-flight start, and striker Danny Graham a senior bow as a substitute.

Queudrue said: "We have good young players and for some it was their first game in the Premiership. To start with a result like that was excellent.''

Boro's Dutch full-back Michael Reiziger, who played in central defence against Norwich because of injuries to Ugo Ehiogu and Chris Riggott, could be asked to reprise the role as McClaren surveys a crippling list of crocks.

Reiziger, normally a right-back, has revealed that his return to the fold with Holland is still on hold. The former Barcelona star joked that he wouldn't welcome the prospect of facing left-winger Downing when the Dutch arrive next month.

Reiziger, who intended to retire from the international arena but then had second thoughts, said: "It was always an honour for me to play for the national team.

"But, at the moment, I'm not thinking about it. I have had injuries this season and I just want to concentrate on staying fit. I will talk with the coach [Marco van Basten] again at a later stage.

"The way he has been playing, I don't really fancy facing Stewart at the moment!''