EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Manchester United played Middlesbrough (at home) only to have their league hopes put in jeopardy by Alfonso Alves. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 10th minute off a cross from Michael Carrick; he managed to slip away from his defender and shoot the ball in from the six yard box. 27 year old Brazilian striker Alves was the biggest threat to United, constantly pressing on defenders, who uncharacteristically, seemed to not be cohesive. Vidic was absent for the game and Ferdinand limped off in the second half, Ferdinand left with his foot in a protective case (upcoming games should be interesting with Vidic out for 2 weeks, Ferdinand out for an unknown time and United’s defense in disarray). Alves scored in the 35th minute to equalize the score and then again in the 56th minute. Rooney saved Manchester United from disaster in the 74th minute; JS Park neatly beat Taylor to cross the ball, Rooney capitalized.

In the end, it was apparent that Man Utd had barely escaped from a potentially disastrous game with Middlesbrough. United defense was completely rattled and Middlesbrough should have scored 3 goals with all the opportunities they had.

Ferguson described the game, “We could have lost the game there’s no question, they had some chances and at times our defending was a bit haphazard I thought. But at other moments we could have won the game because some of the quality of our football was terrific. At 1-0 we looked very strong, and were controlling the match and Wayne Rooney was unlucky to be given offside when he was clear through - it wasn’t offside. They changed the formation back to 4-4-2 got an equaliser and I thought it was a great game of football after that. It was end to end and both teams deserve great credit for producing a game of football like that at this time of year. At times we played some fantastic football but in the context of the game Middlesbrough also produced some great moments and it was just a fantastic game.”

With the lead between Chelsea and Man Utd limited to 3 points, Chelsea now has a good chance of winning the league; especially since Manchester United has to play Chelsea at home (Stamford Bridge).