Boro hold United

Manchester United took on Middlesbrough a the Riverside knowing that Chelsea had already crept up the points table with a win at Eastlands and were just 2 points behind them. United don't have a particularly impressive record against Boro but their record at Riverside was good comparing to Old Trafford. United who had one eye on the champions league match against Roma on Wednesday started with a strong team. The notable change was O'shea coming into defence in place of injured Vidic.

Manchester United started the game well with the attacking front working well while Boro also wanted to attack. And it was United who took the lead first, Carrick neatly controlling the ball delivered from a corner and sliding it to Ronaldo who hit the back of the net for his 37th goal of the season. And after that United were firing on all cylinders but Boro kept attacking and Van Der Sar had to make some good saves. While on the other end Rooney was flagged offside when he was clear on goal, a wrong call by the assistant referee.And Ronaldo had a clear penalty shout which was turned down. The ball was blocked by the Boro player and it was a clear penalty which wasn't given. And the home teams persistence was rewarded when the United defence failed to deal with a aerial ball and it fell to the Middlesbrough record signing Afonso Alves who finished it superbly with his left foot for his first ever goal for the club. United were shaken by this and the home team started to pile up the pressure and the goalie was called into action often and the half time came at the right moment for United.

In the second half the match was even more thrilling with both going for goals. Boro to be fair, had the measure of United in the early parts of the second half and Van Der Sar had to be there to avert the danger. Giggs had a poor game and was not involved in any concrete moves. Ronaldo did quite well in getting past the defenders but his shooting lacked composure. And on 56 minutes Boro took the lead. Boateng skied the ball and Brown's clearance hit an opponent and it fell to Alves, who curled the ball for his brace. Boro were all over the Champions and Tevez was replaced by Park.With the snow falling heavily, the visitors were searching for the equaliser and Alves had a chance to get his hat rick but Ferdinand's timely interception denied him. And United suffered another blow when Ferdinand was injured and he was replaced by Pique and Hargreaves came in for O'Shea. Alves had a chance when Van Der Sar slipped when trying to clear a back pass but the veteran managed to kick the ball away even when he was lying on the ground, that could have been a gift to the Brazilian. Alves was subbed to a thunderous applause from the record crowd, he deserved his goals as they all showed his quality.

And United got their equaliser on 74th min when Park did brilliantly on the right wing and crossed it to Rooney, who scored. It set up for a thrilling final 15 minutes. Rooney's header was well saved by Schwarzer. The pattern of the play was frantic and exciting to watch and it ended 2-2. On another day it can be considered as points dropped by Manutd but considering the way Boro played and injuries in defence and the fact that they had to come from behind Sir Alex would be happy with the result and in fact he was happy with the point. All credit to Boro who played impressive football and contributed to an exciting football match.

Click here for goals

0-1 Ronaldo

1-1 Alves

2-1 Alves

2-2 Rooney