GARETH SOUTHGATE has tasked Marlon King and Jeremie Aliadiere to spearhead Boro's challenge against Manchester United this afternoon.

Alex Ferguson has rested seven players from the side that played Arsenal last Tuesday but still includes the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and PFA Player of the Year Ryan Giggs in his side.

Justin Hoyte starts on the left side of defence after Andrew Taylor's groin injury forced the Boro full back to pull out of today's squad. The injury is not thought to be serious and he's expected to be in contention to face Newcastle in eight days.

United's teenage striking sensation Federico Macheda starts in attack with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez among the visitor's substitutes.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2):

Jones,McMahon,Wheater,Huth,Hoyte,O'Neil,Bates,Tuncay, Downing,Aliadiere,King

Subs: Turnbull,Grounds,Digard,Emnes,Arca,Johnson,Alves

Man United (4-3-1-2):

Foster,Evra,Evans,Vidic,O'Shea,Park,Scholes,Giggs,Rooney,Macheda,Berbatov

Subs: Kuszczak,DaSilva,Nani,Ronaldo,Anderson,Gibson,Tevez

** READ A FULL REPORT AND ANALYSIS OF TODAY'S GAME IN MONDAY'S NORTHERN ECHO **