Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes expects there to be a "bit of needle" in their clash with Middlesbrough.

"There is a bit of needle in every game these days, because the teams are so desperate to win," said Scholes.

"Gareth Southgate is a winner by nature. He will want his team to win every game they play and to perform well. Our manager is the same - it is just the way it is."

Despite Boro's slide down the table, United will treat the Teessiders with caution.

It is not unknown for Boro to win at Old Trafford, while Southgate's men have also proved to be formidable opponents at the Riverside in recent years too.

"Boro had a good record against us until about two seasons ago," said Scholes.

"We beat them in the league convincingly last season and in the Carling Cup this year, but down the years it has been a tough fixture for us.

"Boro are a team that will come and try to have a go, because their strength is definitely in attack."