Source: SKY_Sports
Wheater staying positive
David Wheater hopes Middlesbrough will come up against an under-strength Manchester United side on Saturday.
United beat Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night and must prepare for the return leg at Emirates Stadium next Tuesday.
Sir Alex Ferguson could decide to make changes and rest one or two of his key men, with United in a strong position to defend their Premier League crown.
Wheater believes Boro must look to take advantage if United are not on top of their game.
He told Sky Sports News: "Obviously it would be better for us (if United make changes) because (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Wayne) Rooney are obviously world class players that can hurt any team, so if they are not playing it is good for us.
"But it might not be so vital this week even if we are three or four points behind because we will still have three games after that."
Wheater accepts that the clash with fellow North East strugglers Newcastle at St James' Park on 11th May is likely to prove decisive.
"There are the bragging rights but obviously that game is going to be important because we are both in the same position," he explained.
"A win for one of the teams would be a massive confidence boost so hopefully it will be us."
Wheater has also reiterated that he would like to stay with Boro even in the event of relegation.
"I have said before that I will only leave if the manager wants to sell me or if he accepts a bid," said the defender.
"I am happy here and I am confident that if we did go down we would come back up because we have a strong group of lads."
