Former Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson says his old club will always battle to keep their best players.

"The problem is that when someone does well at Middlesbrough, clubs with greater charisma start showing an interest and players can have their heads turned," he explained to the Observer.

"Gareth has got to try and keep his best players but he's got to find out what Stewart Downing really wants. You can't keep a player at all costs — but if you sell someone as good as Downing, you've got to get the right replacement. And whereas Manchester United now have the perfect balance between youth and experience I feel Gareth could do with a couple of experienced players to help his youngsters."