Steve Evans admits striker Chris Wood remains a major doubt for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round tie away to Watford, but full-back Gaetano Berardi is set to be assessed ahead of the Vicarage Road trip.

Wood has been sidelined since a hamstring injury sustained during the first half of January’s 1-1 draw at Brentford cut short his return to action, while Berardi has been absent since picking up an ankle injury in December’s 0-0 draw away to Charlton Athletic.

The United pair are now closing in on a return to action and Saturday’s cup tie had been mooted as a possible comeback date, but Evans is keen not rush either player back into the team.

“I’m not so sure Chris Wood will be ready,” said Evans. “We have to make sure with him.

“I would say it’s bordering on probably not (playing at Watford).

“With Berardi, we’ll have a look at him in full training today. He’s trained really well all week so we’ll have a look at him.

“We’ll make some tough decisions on Saturday. I aim to consider changing the personnel from Middlesbrough and changing the way we play.

“We can’t be as attack-minded and leave ourselves open but, at the same time, I want us to go there and be competitive and win the game.”