MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren last night insisted 'don't underestimate Manchester United'.

And the former United assistant boss is convinced that his former club will be challenging for the Premiership title again come May.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men sit in an unfamiliar sixth position in the top-flight, five points adrift of current leaders Leeds United, and criticism has been levied his way.

Players at Old Trafford have even voiced their anger over team selections but McClaren believes the champions cannot be overlooked in the race just yet.

"Don't bet against Manchester United," said McClaren, whose departure as Ferguson's right-hand man has also been singled out by some stars as the reason for United's recent slump.

"The words that are being branded about provide United with the kind of motivation they need to prove everybody wrong,'' he insisted.

"I think it's ridiculous. It's November and I remember, at about the same time, when we were beaten 1-0 at Arsenal and people were saying 'what does the rest of the season hold now'.

"I was thinking how ridiculous it was to be saying that.

"Two months later I think we were 10 or 15 points clear in the race for the championship and I think it's too early to be saying that.

"Some of the things that are being said about Manchester United and the players are ridiculous.

"Don't underestimate and don't stoke up the fire as they say."

McClaren, who left in the summer to take over control at Boro, is adamant United are still in safe hands.

And the Riverside chief revealed he is using United as an example to carry Boro's training set-up forward.

"I would like to think that the relationship I had with Sir Alex is as good as the relationship my staff have with me," said McClaren. "It's as important to build a good team off the field as it is on.

"Good coaches, the medical staff, whoever. That's something I know Manchester United have always had and it's something we are trying to develop here."

McClaren takes his side to Aston Villa tomorrow knowing that he will be without inspirational skipper Paul Ince, through suspension, and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who is on international duty.

But the Boro boss is confident his side will be able to cope without two of their most influential players.

"Ince is going to be a big loss to us but all the clubs have got to cope with injuries and suspensions," said McClaren.

"We have got a big enough squad where players can come in - they have done that before - it's an opportunity for them.

"We may not have Ince and we may not have Schwarzer but we must go forward and be positive with what we have got."

The trip to Villa Park will see Boro defender Gareth Southgate and coaches Paul Barron and Steve Harrison make their first returns since leaving in the summer.

But McClaren believes that all three, as well as Ugo Ehiogu who is making his second return, will cope well with the jibes from the home fans. "It's part of the game and it's a big test for them all - Ugo received a hell of a reception last season," he said. "I'm sure Gareth, Harry and Paul will receive exactly the same. That can either inspire you to greater heights or it can make you disappear, hopefully it will help us."

*Manchester United's troubles continued at their AGM when the players came under an unprecedented attack because of the recent slump in results. Fan and shareholder Keith Thorpe claimed they had been misfiring for the last 12 months and accused them of ''cherry-picking their performances''.

Read more about the Boro here.