Karanka relishing 'special game' against United

The challenge of pitting his wits against Manchester
United boss Louis van Gaal is one that excites
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka insists he will not worry
about a troublesome injury list ahead of a "special" League Cup
fourth-round trip to Manchester United.

After a much-needed win in the Championship at the weekend
against Wolverhampton Wanderers, along with a fresh face in
the shape of on-loan Manchester City midfielder Bruno Zuculini,
the Spanish coach is relishing the prospect of leading his side at
Old Trafford on Wednesday.

"The game against Manchester United is special," Karanka told
a news conference. "The players don't need extra motivation
because to play against [United] is motivation enough and
everyone wants to play."

The former Real Madrid assistant coach brought in Zuculini
after injuries to Albert Adomah, Adam Forshaw and Cristhian
Stuani left his midfield threadbare, while Grant Leadbitter and
Adam Clayton are teetering on the verge of suspensions with
four yellow cards apiece.

But Karanka is adamant he will still field his best XI for the tie,
where Boro will look to repeat the heroics of their shock 2-0 FA
Cup win at Manchester City in January.

"It is difficult to think about the team for Old Trafford - I have
players with four yellow cards so we may have to change the
team, but I will try to put out the best 11 to try and beat them."

This will be Karanka's first meeting with United boss Louis van
Gaal but he feels prepared for the challenge due to lessons
learned at the Santiago Bernabeu under Jose Mourinho, who
was assistant to the Dutchman during his time in charge of
Barcelona.

"I played against Van Gaal’s team when he was in Barcelona
and Jose was his assistant,” Karanka added.

"He is an interesting coach and he is particularly interesting for
me because I have learned with Jose and Jose learned from
Van Gaal.

"I took the lessons from Jose so I feel I have learned from van
Gaal too."