Macheda and Berbatov start for United at Boro

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson rang the changes as he attempted to move a step closer to the Premier League title.

The injured Rio Ferdinand was missing, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson and Carlos Tevez dropped to the bench with Edwin van der Sar, and Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick rested.

Ben Foster took over in goal while Jonny Evans replaced Ferdinand and Paul Scholes, Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Federico Macheda were drafted in.

Boro made just one change with Justin Hoyte replacing Andrew Taylor, although there was a return to the 18 for midfielder Julio Arca after injury.

Middlesbrough: Jones, McMahon, Wheater, Huth, Hoyte, O’Neil, Sanli, Bates, Downing, King, Aliadiere.

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

Man Utd: Foster, O’Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Park, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov, Macheda.

Subs: Kuszczak, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani, Rafael Da Silva, Gibson, Tevez.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)