Middlesbrough defender David Wheater insists his side will not be drawn into this season's relegation dog-fight.

Gareth Southgate's team were unable to cope with an away day at Manchester United on Saturday, as they left the North West with a fifth defeat in succession.

Although Boro currently hover perilously close to the drop zone, in 17th place, Wheater remains optimistic for the rest of the campaign.

"We know the quality we have and when it comes together, we will win games," said Wheater.

"The Sunderland and Newcastle games, we should have won games like that.

"But hopefully, it will all come together and we will do well. We should not go down, the players we have and the quality we have got."