Downing fires United warning
05 Apr 2008 - 08:11:55
Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has warned Manchester United that facing the top sides brings the best out of his team-mates.
Boro host the league leaders and reigning champions at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday and Downing is relishing the prospect of testing himself against the best defence in the Premier League.
Boro have already beaten Arsenal, drawn with Liverpool and pushed Chelsea all the way at home this season and Downing is anticipating another fighting display against the Red Devils.
"It's a massive game against Manchester Unitetd, not just for us but for them also," the England winger told the club's official website.
"They need to keep winning with Chelsea and Arsenal chasing hard.
"I'm sure it will be a good game to watch. It'll be end to end but we've got a good record against them at home and I'm sure we can repeat that.
"We've given Arsenal a problem and we nearly did the same to Chelsea, so there's no reason why we can't do similar against United."
Meanwhile, Downing believes his own form has picked up after agreeing a new five-year contract earlier this year.
"I'm pleased personally with my form for both Boro and England and hopefully that will start spreading among the team and we can play with no fear and just a little added confidence," he added.
"It's definitely helped my form signing a new contract. I've probably played some of my best football of the season after January so I'm really pleased about that and glad it all got sorted."