TalkSPORT FA Cup coverage on March 11, 2017

CHARLIE NICHOLAS has run the rule over some of Manchester City’s players who are tipped for a summer transfer.

Mourinho has led United to Community Shield and EFL Cup success this season, while they are still in contention for the Europa League and FA Cup.

As a boyhood Manchester City fan and a product of their academy, Adam Clayton has fond memories of the last time Middlesbrough faced the Citizens in The Emirates FA Cup. “They’re a very physical team and really unsafe from crosses”. They also as always created very little going forward. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have lost two in a row.

It was frustration with a capital “F” until City scored their vital second in the 67th minute. City will need speed on the wings to stretch Middlesbrough defenders Fabio and George Friend out wide. “But I’m really proud of my players because they’ve given a massive effort, from the first minute until the end”.

They were almost made to pay when Kevin De Bruyne linked up with Leroy Sane, whose low ball in from the left was too far in front of an unattended Sergio Aguero. Middlesbrough managed to go in at half time with just a 1-0 deficit but they still did not look like scoring. When that moment occurred, the chance to fell to right-back Fabio who engineered a hard header beyond Claudio Bravo but was denied on the line by John Stones.

Leroy Sane tormented Boro right back Antonio Barragan all game.

Gibson denied Sane with a well-timed tackle in the six-yard box after he raced onto a ball from Silva, on 61 minutes, before forcing a good low save to his left from Boro stopper Brad Guzan. David Silva stabbed City’s opener after 3 mins, yet the site visitors were guilty of missing out on some marvelous opportunities to extend their lead.

Aguero was then unfortunate not to add his name to the score sheet when Guzan did just enough to deflect his low shot against the upright with a fine reflex save after yet another low Sterling cross. We are not playing for one or three points. Showed passion and determination.

The game was open, with Yaya Toure, Silva and Kevin De Bruyne finding space to pick up and dictate possession in midfield.

Clayton 5/10- Similar to De Roon, struggled with Silva and De Bruyne threat, several risky tackles as well.