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Berba strike crucial as United edge out gutsy Boro

Berbatov bagged the goal
By Chris,
December 30 2008
A club from the North-East once again made United sweat at Old Trafford – but ultimately a second-half Dimitar Berbatov strike was enough to secure a crucial three points against Middlesbrough. The Bulgarian bagged the only goal of the game on 69 minutes as Fergie’s men closed the gap on the Scousers and Chelsea at the top of the tree.

The Red Devils paraded the World Club Trophy around the pitch prior to kick-off as United played their first game at Old Trafford since the FIFA success in Japan.

The ninety minutes that followed wasn't a vintage display from the Champions - though the three points were deserved as Sir Alex Ferguson's men created the lion share of chances.

Boro defended resolutely and looked capable of snatching an unlikely point until Berbatov drilled home the only goal of the game with 69 minutes on the clock.

Cristiano Ronaldo screwed an excellent chance wide of the post on 22 minutes, before Rafael Da Silva smashed an effort against the side-netting. Ross Turnbull was later called into action to deny Wayne Rooney as a series of missed chances threatened to prove costly for United.

The introduction of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes settled United and with 21 minutes remaining, Berbatov nestled home a morale-boosting strike. Michael Carrick's cross was only half-cleared by David Wheater and the former Spurs man gathered the ball before supplying a fine finish.

Battling Boro, at times, looked threatening and came close to scoring before half-time with powerful frontman Afonso Alves causing problems. After the break, Tuncay headed a good-chance wide on 61 minutes with the Riverside club producing a performance that will give their despondent supporters something to cheer.

United, however, claim another three points and now look forward to a busy January which includes games in the league, F.A Cup and League Cup.

Happy New Year everybody.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-0 Middlesbrough
Attendance - 75,294

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Berba strike crucial as United edge out gutsy Boro
Posted by: manutdweb.com (IP Logged)
Date: 30/12/2008 16:24

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