Karanka seeking 18 fighters at Boro

Cape Town - Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has revealed he requires his entire squad to display a fighting spirit if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

Boro suffered yet another blow to their fragile confidence when they were swept aside with ease by Manchester City to be knocked out of the FA Cup by a 2-0 scoreline.

The Teeside outfit are mired in a battle for survival and have not won in the league since December last year against Swansea City. The side are now three points away from safety in 19th place.

As such, Karanka has called for more fight from his team. He told the club's official website, "Look, always I have needed it but now in the difficult moments, I need 18 fighters in my team.

"Where the players show me that they are ready to play and they are fighting and they are going to fight for the club is on the training ground every day. I am with them every day and on Friday, I will always choose at least 18 fighters."

Karanka next welcomes his close friend, Jose Mourinho's Manchester united to the Riverside Stadium in an English Premiership clash on Sunday.

Kick off is at 14:00.