Match Review
Middlesbrough 1 v 2 Manchester United, The Riverside, 17.15 Saturday 2nd December 2006.
Middlesbrough: Morrison (66) - Manchester United: Saha (19 pen), Fletcher (68).
Attendance: 31,238

United continued their awesome away form with another three points as Louis Saha's penalty and a Darren Fletcher header gave United a six point lead at the top of the table. SAF chose to rest Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra with Benfica in mind and in came Heinze and Fletcher respectively. The Reds played some excellent football an had Boro stretched on several occasions as the rampant Reds created chances from start to finish.

United, faced with a five man defence, were first to go close as Giggs' corner was met by Saha only for the Frenchman's header to be cleared from danger by Robert Huth. Later Ronaldo's blast was parried by Schwarzer into the path of Ryan Giggs, who criminally missed from a short range.

United had the bit between their teeth and would get the break through as Saha's pass sent Ronaldo through. The winger beat Schwarzer to the ball and was fouled with referee Chris Foy awarding the penalty to United. Up stepped Saha whose tame penalty beat the 'keeper to give United the lead they deserved.

United almost conceded immediately as Wild Haired Wildman Abel Xavier rose to head a Downing free kick against United's post.

But with Scholes, Fletcher, Giggs, Rooney and Saha combining so well the United attack looked for more goals. Ronaldo rained in free kicks but Rooney showed a poor touch when through on goal. Later another fierce effort from Ronaldo was pushed wide.

Ryan Giggs would be next to miss as Scholes played in the Welshman, who took the ball around the Boro 'keeper only to balloon his shot into the car park.

With United still only one up and missing chances the game was never out of Boro's hand's. The equaliser came from substitute Morrison, who was given an early Christmas present as Gabriel Heinze 's poor defensive header landed at the youngster's feet, to volley home.

United replied like the Reds of old. Giggs beat Xavier on the wing and crossed for Ronaldo who kept his feet under Schwarzer's challenge, fed the ball back to the winger whose cross was met by Darren Fletcher to head home for the victory.

Player Ratings
van der Sar (6); Neville (6), Ferdinand (7), Vidic (6), Heinze (4); Ronaldo (6), Fletcher (6), Scholes (8), Giggs (8); Saha (7), Rooney (7).
Subs Used: O'Shea (5) for Fletcher (75 mins), Brown (n/a) for Ronaldo (86 mins).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Evra, Carrick.

United's Man of the Match
Paul Scholes, although not with his usual partner, was excellent once again with sublime use of the ball. But RANT's MOTM was Ryan Giggs who is playing like he's 19 again. A constant menace and creator of goals.

Match Reaction
Saha's penalty was really poor and Gabriel Heinze was Silvestre in disguise! With City to come and some key players rested, United could find themselves nine points clear come next Saturday... and Chelsea's next opponents are Arsenal!

Was Our Prediction Right?
Wooooo!!! We said 2-1; well your reporter's lady, Stacy said 2-1. Rant 4 v 20 Wrong Predictions.

Milestones
Louis Saha's 22nd Premiership goal of his United career and 34th goal overall for the club
Darren Fletcher's 6th Premiership goal of his United career and 6th goal overall

Miscellaneous Info
United's next match is on Wednesday 6th December 2006 against SL Benfica in the UCL, 19.45pm K.O.