Manchester United’s hopes of retaining their Premiership crown have taken a severe blow after they were beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough at Old Trafford today. The result means United are still top of the table, but are only one point ahead of second-placed Arsenal having played two games more. Liverpool can go top if they beat Chelsea tomorrow.
Alex Ferguson’s side fell behind to an Alen Boksic goal after only nine minutes. Boro retained the lead at the break but United signalled their intent to claw their way back into the game with wave after wave of second half attacks. The Middlesbrough defence, marshalled superbly by Gareth Southgate, held firm however to hand United their eighth defeat of the season.
At the other end of the table, bottom-placed Leicester were beaten 2-0 by David O’Leary’s Champions League hopefuls Leeds, while Derby’s hopes of retaining their top flight status suffered a heavy blow after they went down 4-3 to fellow strugglers Everton. Bolton did their chances of avoiding the drop a world of good with a 2-1 win over Charlton, while Ipswich battled their way to a valuable point in a scoreless draw at home against Aston Villa. Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer scored Sunderland’s goal in their 1-1 draw with Southampton at the Stadium of Light.
Filed by Tom Grealis
