Keane to start against Boro

Roy Keane is being handed his first Premiership start since August 31 as Manchester United attempted to step up their title charge at Middlesbrough.

The inspirational United skipper was included for the first time since being sent off in a stormy 1-1 draw at Sunderland following a clash with international team-mate Jason McAteer, with Diego Forlan making way.

Alex Ferguson made two further changes to his starting line-up with Juan Sebastian Veron shaking off an ankle problem to come in for Phil Neville and Laurent Blanc returning at the expense of the injured Mikael Silvestre.

Boro boss Steve McClaren replaced George Boateng, who will be out of action for several weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a damaged knee cartilage on Monday, with former United midfielder Mark Wilson, while Joseph-Desire Job, used as a substitute on Arsenal on Saturday following his skull fracture, filled the berth left by Luke Wilkshire.