Either former United player Fabio da Silva or Emilio Nsue are likely to replace Barragan at Old Trafford.
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Despite an early scare when Boro forward Adama Traore raced through only to spurn a shot on goal, United dominated the first half and saw eventual goalscorers Martial and Pogba hit the post and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have a goal ruled out for unsafe play.
A goal in the 67th minute from Boro looked like a classic smash-and-grab job, and all the momentum United had built in the previous month seemed squandered.
The 35-year-old, who United manager Jose Mourinho claimed earlier this week is set to sign an extension to his year-long contract which he agreed to when he joined in July from Paris Saint Germain, told MUTV he is not happy with just having three assists to his name thus far.
However his powers have visibly been on the wane over the last few seasons and he has finally been dropped to a bit part role during this campaign.
“It was fantastic, because you are losing 1-0 with 20 minutes to go, we are not afraid to lose 2-0 or 3-0, we go with everything, we go one against one at the back, we go with everything, create chances, the goalkeeper saved”.
United continued to turn the screw after the restart, with a good chance coming from Ibrahimovic but it was the away side who surprisingly drew first blood.
Man United know that they need not do anything fancy. “Today we have six wins in a row but we don’t want six we want more”. If he is going to become a truly top player, his decision-making has to improve.
“Sam Johnstone is the only player that I allow to go on loan”. Given this time past year, Louis van Gaal’s United were coming off the back of six without a win, including consecutive defeats to Stoke, Norwich and Bournemouth in which they manged only one more shot in three games combined compared to what they served up today, it is no wonder the supporters are enjoying what they are seeing.
“He is different. We are really good friends and we have a really good relationship”.
“I know how hard it can be to play two games in such a short time”, Karanka said.
Despite the festive season, Jose Mourinho and his team will not be in very kind spirits.
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Ibrahimovic, who was unfortunate to see his acrobatic finish ruled out for high feet, ends 2016 with 50 goals in all competitions, placing him second behind Lionel Messi among players from Europe’s top five leagues.
