First-class United extend Premiership lead
James Morrison's goal could not derail United's title tilt
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Saturday, 02, Dec 2006 08:15
Manchester United are now six points clear at the Premiership's summit after a 2-1 away win against Middlesbrough.
A first-half Louis Saha penalty and a glancing header from Darren Fletcher after the interval sandwiched a scarcely deserved Boro goal from youngster James Morrison at the Riverside.
Alex Ferguson's team were not tipped to be Chelsea's biggest challengers this season, but now find themselves 16 points clear of third-placed Arsenal and with the ability to extend the gap over the Blues to nine points before the champions next kick a ball in the league.
United started by far the brightest in today's late kick-off, with the attacking quintet of Wayne Rooney, Saha, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes consistently threatening.
It was Saha's clever pass that allowed Ronaldo to scuttle menacingly into the area, only for Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer to bring him down.
The French striker made no mistake with the spot-kick, banishing any bad memories he may have had from a Champions League penalty miss against Celtic two weeks ago.
Middlesbrough were trying their best to make the game a contest, but despite fit-again Malcolm Christie's best efforts, they were unable to grind out any chances.
The enforced withdrawal of Jonathan Woodgate at half-time prompted Gareth Southgate to bring Morrison on in a more attacking formation, with the change paying off when the substitute equalised in the 66th minute.
Gabriel Heinze failed to deal with a Stewart Downing cross, with Morrison sweetly half-volleying past Edwin van der Sar.
The parity lasted for just two minutes though, as Giggs' exquisitely floated cross evaded the Teeside rearguard as Darren Fletcher ghosted in to nod the ball into the net.
United lost 4-1 at the Riverside last season, but their performance tonight deserved nothing less than the three points, ensuring that the title race will remain open until at least the new year.