AGNEW PIPPED MANCINI & GUUS TO BOSS BORO

MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson turned down some of the top coaches in Europe to give Steve Agnew his chance to save the club from relegation.

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, and ex-Chelsea bosses Guus Hiddink and Avram Grant were among the top operators who reminded Gibson of their availability after the departure of Aitor Karanka.

Former Middlesbrough and England manager Steve McClaren was interested in the Riverside vacancy too.

So were former Boro players Fabrizio Ravanelli and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

But Gibson believes that Agnew (above), who was Karanka’s No.2, deserves his chance.

And he is also happier promoting from within at this stage of the season.

Agnew is likely to be handed the role as caretaker until the end of the campaign and, even if Boro are relegated, is set to get the job full-time.

Agnew appointed Joe Jordan as his own No.2 and said of the 65-year-old former striker: “Joe brings a wealth of experience. He was a top player.” TREATMENT ROOM

Chambers (ankle), Ayala (thigh).

Pogba (thigh), Blind (head), Schweinsteiger (muscle), Martial (knock). SUSPENDED

None.

Herrera, Ibrahimovic. ODDS TO WIN

5/1.

27/10.

7/10. PHIL JONES believes Manchester United can be kings of Europe again this season.

The Old Trafford defender (left) was a 16-year-old trainee at Blackburn when United last won the Champions League, back in 2008.

But he’s confident the current generation of United stars can make their own history in Stockholm in May, by winning the Europa League final – and qualify for next season’s Champions League.

“It will be tough but we feel we can do it,” said Jones. “It’s a big competition, with some good teams left in it. But we can still qualify through the Premier League too, so we’ve just got to keep our focus.”

FAMILY: Mourinho has been luring Fergie back