Robson Relishes Boro Reunion

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson expects another of his former clubs, Middlesbrough, to provide a tough test when they visit Old Trafford in the Capital One Cup.

After leaving the Reds in 1994, Robson managed and briefly played for the Teessiders, who will be hoping to cause an upset during Wednesday evening's fourth-round clash.

We caught up with 'Captain Marvel' at the launch of Bulova's new Manchester United Club Watch to get his thoughts on the game and his memories of facing United as Boro boss...

Louis van Gaal is determined to win a first trophy as United manager this season - do you expect him to field a strong side against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford?
I’m not sure he’ll go with what people would class as the first XI. If you look back at the Ipswich game, he made a few changes, but not a lot, and it was a strong side in that game. I think the line-up also depends on the way Middlesbrough approach this game because they’re in a strong position and will be looking to get automatic promotion from the Championship. Their manager, Aitor Karanka, might look at the game and think he needs to rest a few players for their next league match too. They’ve got the same problems that we have in a way; you want to be fresh for the next league game, but you also want to go through to the next round. It’s a great opportunity for us, a home tie against a Championship side, so I’m sure the manager will be looking at that and asking for the concentration we need to win.

You managed Boro immediately after leaving United. Do you still follow their fortunes and, if so, what do you think we can expect from them?
I do, definitely. When you go away from a club, you always have fond memories and great times to look back on. Middlesbrough's results are among the first ones I look for at the weekend, and Karanka has got them playing some good football with some good young players. I think they’ve got a good chance of getting promoted this season, they seem to have improved with every year Karanka has been at the club, so I feel it will be a very good game of football. We play possession football and I’m sure Boro will come and want to pass the ball around and counterattack against us – it should make for an entertaining game.

What are your stand-out memories of bringing Middlesbrough teams to Old Trafford in the late 1990s and early 2000s?
I have a couple but probably my favourite, and the one United fans are going to give me some stick for, was when Boro beat United 3-2 [in December 1998]. It was a brilliant game and one of my only wins against a Sir Alex Ferguson team, I think. That’s definitely a fond memory, especially doing it at Old Trafford.

There was another cracker here in May 1997 when two Brazilians scored for Boro in a 3-3 draw on a wet Bank Holiday Monday. What do you recall of that match?
I remember that one! When you come to a place like Manchester United, you want to entertain the fans and get a good result. For any away manager who comes here and sees six goals but still gets something out of the game, they’ll always be pleased. It’s a tough place to come.

So, after doing it twice during your time as manager, can Middlesbrough score three at Old Trafford again on Wednesday?
I certainly hope not because I’m on United’s side now and I want them to win every game. It would be nice to see Boro come here and play nice, attractive football and make it an entertaining game though. May the best team win, but I think United might have a bit too much for Middlesbrough.