Berbatov strikes as United narrow gap on rivals
Berbatov's goal alleviated tension at Old Trafford.
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Monday, 29, Dec 2008 10:31
Dimitar Berbatov scored the decisive goal as Manchester United beat Middlesbrough 1-0 to narrow their gap to Chelsea and Liverpool at the top of the league.
United's win leaves them within four points of Chelsea and seven adrift of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League - but the Champions have two games in hand on both their rivals.
After a tentative opening half, United eased rising tension among the Old Trafford crowd when they broke the deadlock on 69 minutes.
Michael Carrick struck an in-swinging cross from the left which David Wheater could only steer the ball off his body as far as Berbatov who prodded home from close range.
Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo came close as the Champions dominated possession late-on, but the Reds had to settle for their fourth 1-0 win in six games.
After losing by the same scoreline at home to Everton on Boxing Day, Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough responded with a commendable effort at Old Trafford.
Afonso Alves, who started as a lone striker for Boro, fired over after turning Nemanja Vidic.
The Brazilian then saw his shot blocked by Carrick moments later after getting on the end of Downing's free kick.
Middlesbrough refused to sit back but a scrappy opening 45 minutes was overshadowed by the fracas which developed between Emmanuel Pogatetz and Ronaldo.
The Portuguese youngster, who shot wide early on from Rooney's squared pass when it seemed easier to score, was furious as the half-time whistle blew, rushing over to the referee claiming an infringement Pogatetz in the penalty area.
Both players were separated in the tunnel as Ronaldo squared up to Pogatez over the incident.
Ronaldo's frustrations were matched by the Old Trafford crowd when Matthew Bates' cross from the right early on in the second half was met by Tuncay's diving header, which flew inches wide from Edwin van der Sar's post.
Then Sir Alex Ferguson swung on Paul Scholes and Gary Neville for Darren Fletcher and Da Silva Rafael as he looked to bolster United's attacking threat.
Minutes later, however, Berbatov struck for United and the Champions held on for a comfortable albeit narrow victory.