Ferguson may have questioned Southgate's right to manage in the Premiership but his Middlesbrough side offered questions of their own and United were fortunate to safely navigate this potential banana skin. At times this match resembled the Celtic game with United largely dominant but unable to finish the chances that they created. Such was their movement that at one point referee, Foy, was wrong footed and couldn't help but obstruct Fletcher as another disguised pass was played as the United players charged forward.
Giggs and Saha had chances to open the scoring but Huth blocked Saha's header and Giggs somehow managed to head wide Schwarzer's parry from Ronaldo's fierce strike. Regardless, United were ahead before 20 minutes had been played. Ronaldo surged into the box and Schwarzer slid in. While able to avoid Schwarzer's challenge, Ronaldo stumbled and fell, Foy pointing to the penalty spot. It was a soft penalty, reflected by the decision not to book the goalkeeper. Saha stepped up and converted the penalty, striking the ball low and to the left, just beyond Schwarzer's reach.
After a short spell where United were camped in the opposition half, Middlesbrough fought their way back into the game and Xavier powered a header onto the upright from Downing's freekick. It was their best chance of the half and were lucky to be only one down at half-time after Rooney somehow fired wide, connecting with Ronaldo's cross at full stretch.
Middlesbrough showed their intent to attack in the second half, replacing Woodgate with midfielder Morrison. Their tactical change and hard work paid off 20 minutes later as Heinze's attempted headed clearance from Downing's cross fell to Morrison, who volleyed in low across Van der Sar into the corner of the net. United's response was instant. Another marauding Ronaldo run found him on the touchline with time to pick out Giggs on the left of the box who crossed for the advancing Fletcher to head in from 6 yards.
It was a nervy finish with United unable to add to their lead and Middlesbrough refusing to give in. Ronaldo was United's outstanding player, always a threat and denied twice by Schwarzer's fingertips. His man of the match performance marred by a shocking dive in the first half, reminiscent of Pires against Portsmouth.
United will be grateful to extend their lead at the top of the table to 6 points and put another tough fixture behind them. Saha hit his 10th of the season and Fletcher bettered last season with his second of the campaign. Benfica visit Old Trafford next and by avoiding defeat United will advance to the next round of the Champion's League.
No comments:
Post a Comment