BRYAN ROBSON is today hoping a hint of disharmony between Manchester United and their fans can help Middlesbrough further repair relations with their own disgruntled followers.

Ten-man Boro, who had goalkeeper Mark Crossley sent off, were given a rousing ovation by the Riverside faithful for the first time this season after escaping with only a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal - United's Premiership title rivals.

Boro's doggedness against the Gunners a week ago has fortified the under-pressure Robson as he prepares for the latest return to his former Old Trafford haunt, desperately seeking an end to a run of five successive defeats in all competitions.

Despite the obvious disparity in status, the Boro manager is adamant that his third-bottom outfit are capable of putting a spoke in the leaders' drive for their seventh title in nine years.

Recent history, injuries to key players and skipper Roy Keane's outspoken comments this week about a section of the audience at the Theatre of Dreams, are Robson's grounds for guarded optimism.

Boro's unforgettable 3-2 win at Old Trafford almost two years ago was the last United suffered on home soil in the Premiership.

On their visit last season, Boro only lost to a late David Beckham goal courtesy of a mistake by keeper Mark Schwarzer after Juninho failed to convert a penalty and Christian Ziege was controversially sent off.

United will today be without defender Jaap Stam, striker Andy Cole and winger Ryan Giggs, while schemer Paul Scholes is doubtful with a knee injury.

And the redoubtable Keane, himself carrying an injury, has stirred up a storm in the wake of Wednesday's crucial Champions League victory over Dynamo Kiev by accusing the more affluent United fans of being devoid of passion.

After Teddy Sheringham's solitary strike sealed the win which clinched United's place in the second phase of Europe's premier competition, Keane claimed: "Some people come to Old Trafford and I don't think they can even spell the word 'football', never mind understand the game.''

Keane's broadside was aimed chiefly at corporate clients and Robson, one of United's all-time greats, said: "I don't 100 per cent agree with what Roy said.

"United have had so much success that maybe the fans do get a bit complacent. They expect their team to be two or three up in the first half hour and it's just not always possible.

"I was there on Wednesday and when the players needed lifting, the fans were getting anxious.

"That transmitted to the players and they showed anxiety themselves in the last 20 minutes.

"I've been to Old Trafford when United have been chasing a game and the fans have been quiet. Once they're back in the game, there aren't many better fans for making a noise.

"But if you can frustrate the fans and silence them, you can get a decent result there.

"I don't write off any game. We were the last team to win there in the League and hopefully we can destroy that home record. It would be nice to get at least a point. It would kick-start our season.

"In the second half against Kiev, you could see the United players were a bit nervous.

"Sometimes that sort of situation can be a bit draining, so hopefully that's an advantage for us.

"But United have to cope with this every season. They're hardened to it, so it's about how our lads go about things. We have to make sure the game is played at a high tempo and that we close them down and make it awkward for them.

"If we do that, we've proved before we can give them a tough game at Old Trafford.

"If you go there and you're afraid, United will turn you over. If you enjoy the challenge, you've got a chance and I'm sure we can get something out of the game if we do that. We've got nothing to lose.

"I was pleased with the boys' attitude against Arsenal and I need them to do that week in, week out.''

Schwarzer, out for eight weeks with a broken thumb, is set to return to the scene of his howler last season.

"Mark should be okay,'' said Robson, who was yesterday refusing to rule out leading scorer Alen Boksic, missing for four games with a knee injury.

Robson reckons injuries, or a lack of them, hold the key to what increasingly looks a two-horse title race.

"I think either United or Arsenal can win it,'' said Robson. "Whoever stays free of injuries will win it.''

With 12-goal England striker Sheringham enjoying a renaissance season at 34, United have every reason to be optimistic.

"Teddy's a class player,'' said Robson.

"He's an intelligent player. I was interested in him a couple of years ago, but I was told he wasn't for sale.''

Meanwhile, Robson welcomed Boksic's announcement that he is quitting international football.

The Croatian, who joined Boro in the summer from Lazio for £2.5m, cited fitness and personal problems for his decision, and Robson said: "I think it'll boost his career here. I'm delighted he's made that decision. I've spoken to him over the last few weeks and he's desperate to bring success here.

"He knows how important it is for Middlesbrough to win something and get into Europe and I think that's part of Alen's decision.

"I don't think he's injury-prone. He only had one year in Italy where he had a problem with his knee. Anyone can strain knee ligaments, which is what he did against Newcastle.''

Also on the international front, Robson revealed that England caretaker-coach Peter Taylor had made a personal check on Boro skipper Paul Ince's fitness before leaving him out of the squad for next week's friendly in Italy.

Robson said: "Peter phoned Paul to ask him about his injury, but he's too short of fitness to play in an international.''

l Robson confirmed that Norwegian starlet Morten Gamst Pedersen, who plays for Tromso, is due to join Boro on trial early next month