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Middlesbrough Manager Chris Wilder Has Announced A Cristiano Ronaldo Ban For FA Cup Tie
Chris Wilder has said his Middlesbrough are not on "a sightseeing tour" ahead of the FA Cup fourth round clash.
Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder has told his players that the trip to Manchester United on Friday night is not "a shirt-swapping situation".
Boro travel to Old Trafford for the fourth round FA Cup tie after beating League Two side Mansfield Town away from home courtesy of a 95th minute own goal.
The Championship side will come up against a whole host of household names, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane and Edinson Cavani.
But Wilder, who led Sheffield United to a memorable 2-1 Premier League win over the Red Devils just over a year ago, only wants his players to swap shirts behind closed doors and not forget about the task at hand.
As per The Mirror, Wilder said: "Their team sheet will come in the dressing room and it’ll be De Gea, Varane, Harry Maguire… let’s not crumble in that process!
“They have some fabulous individuals that can hurt you, and hurt teams around Europe and the Premier League. A huge array of talent to choose from.
“But it is not sight-seeing for our players. It is not a shirt-swapping situation
“I don’t want people going to Old Trafford to enjoy the visit.
“If they want a shirt, do it in the changing rooms after. We don’t want to be looking at them all fuzzy-eyed. They are up against a competitor.
“I want them to play well. To give a good account of themselves and make it a competitive, dangerous night for Manchester United."
Wilder took the reins at the Riverside Stadium in November when Neil Warnock left by mutual consent.
He's won eight out of 12 games and has led the Teeside club to seventh place in the Championship.
Around 9,000 fans are expected to pack into the away end for Boro's visit to United.
Featured Image Credit: Image: PATopics: Manchester United, Chris Wilder, Cristiano Ronaldo
Josh Lawless