Sir Alex Ferguson expects Middlesbrough to sit back against Manchester United on Boxing Day as he prepares to lock horns with Steve McClaren.
He said: "These are difficult games and we know what it's going to be like at Middlesbrough. They're going to defend and hope they get something on the break, just like Blackburn did against us in the first half on Sunday. The important thing is that we cope with having a lot of the ball, get the right penetration and take our chances."
Meanwhile, Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has defended his side's negative approach that cost them against Arsenal on Saturday and has backed them to respond against United.
"At home, it's a different situation. We're more adventurous and we attack very well," he said. "Away from home, I suppose it has been a different sort of style. On Saturday, we were playing against the best team in the country and one of the best in Europe. They're very difficult to contain at home. At home, we feel we can match anyone and that's why we'll be confident when we go into the game against United. We've already shown we're capable of beating anyone at home."