Bryan Robson will face his former club in the fifth round of the FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, after being paired with Middlesbrough.

It is the third round in succession that United have been drawn against Premiership opposition and United will be hoping to complete a hat-trick when Boro visit Bramall Lane on the weekend of 16/17 February.

"It is a very interesting draw," said boss Robson. "It is one that the lads are entitlted to think that they are in with a chance of winning after beating two Premiership sides already. Personally, I've still got a lot of good friends at Middlesbrough, including Steve Gibson, and it will be nice to see them again. The association with Middlesbrough brings up some happy memories of reaching the FA Cup Final.

"Any team that's in the competition and doesn't draw any of the top four are entitled to think that they can progress in the competition, even as far as the final."

The Blades booked a fifth round place with a deserved 2-1 victory over Manchester City, whilst Middlesbrough overcame Mansfield Town in the fourth round.

Former players Ray Wilkins and Jimmy Case made the draw at FA headquarters at Soho Square on Monday lunchtime.