MIDDLESBROUGH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 27th league goal in a uncharacteristically poor match for Manchester United. Wayne Rooney was able to rescue a point for United in wintry Middlesbrough after Alfonso Alves bagged two goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 37th goal in all competitions after a Ryan Giggs corner was headed to Ronaldo by Michael Carrick. Cristiano Ronaldo made no mistakes and spiked the ball into the back of the net. United had a few more chances in the opening 20 minutes but were not able to convert them into goals. A few minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo was able to beat three Middlesborough defenders; however, his shot did not hit the target and left a lot to be desired. Manchester United was punished in the 35th minute when Alfonso Alves bagged his first of two to equalize the match.

The second half did not get much better. Alfonso Alves once again punished the United defense and put Middlesbrough in front. Luckily Wayne Rooney was able to level things 16 minutes from time. United went all out for the equalizer and almost lost the game on a counter attack that Tuncay was not able to capitalize on.

Manchester United is now three points ahead of Chelsea.