Cesc Fabregas admitted he'd forgotten what scoring a goal felt like after twice finding the net in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.

The Spain midfielder was on target either side of half-time as the midfielder scored his first goals since October to help boost Arsenal's morale ahead of Wedenesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against English and European champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"It's been a long time" Fabregas told Sky Sports. "I had completely lost the feeling of scoring a goal. To score two in a game is always special but the feeling was amazing.

"It keeps going the run we have got in the league and three days before the Manchester United game, which is probably our most important one of the season, it's good for the confidence. We played some good stuff, we moved the ball really quick, and every player was good so we are happy with that."

Looking ahead to the United match, Fabregas added: "The defence will be really important. We know they are a great team. We respect them a lot and love the way they play."