Manchester United vs Middlesbrough preview: Memphis Depay has point to prove in Capital One Cup clash

A look ahead to the Capital One Cup fixture at Old Trafford

Manchester United winger Memphis Depay (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Memphis Depay: The Dutch winger has been given just 55 minutes of playing time in Man United’s last four games, but will most likely start on Wednesday. Anthony Martial’s emergence has knocked Depay out of the first team, although Wayne Rooney’s poor form has presented an opportunity for the 21-year-old to re-establish himself at Old Trafford.

Best stat…

10

The number of matches and years since Middlesbrough last beat Manchester United. Steve McClaren’s side won 4-1 at the Riverside in October 2005 with goals from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank, Ayegbeni Yakubu, and a brace from Gaizka Mendieta.

Remember when…

Middlesbrough dented Manchester United’s title hopes with a shock 3-2 win at Old Trafford in February 2004. Two first half headers from Juninho put the visitors in control but United pulled level through Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ryan Giggs. With ten minutes on the clock, Joseph-Desire Job’s low drive sealed a famous victory for McClaren. Man United would finish the season 15 points behind Arsenal’s Invincibles.

Player to watch…

Stewart Downing: The former Liverpool winger’s homecoming has been subdued, but he came off the bench last weekend to score a goal and create another in the 3-1 defeat of Wolves. Playing on the right, his crossing ability could cause problems for Man United.

Past three meetings…

Middlesbrough 0 Manchester United 2 (Giggs, Ji-Sung)
Premier League, May 2009

Manchester United 1 (Berbatov), Middlesbrough 0
Premier League, December 2008

Manchester United 3 (Ronaldo, Giggs, Nani), Middlesbrough 1 (Johnson)
League Cup, September 2008

Form guide…

Manchester United: WWLWDD

Middlesbrough: WWLDLW

Vital information…

Kick-off time: Wednesday 28 October, 8.00pm

TV: highlights on Channel 5, 11pm