Tough at the top

Rooney: Scored the leveller

Manchester United wobbled slightly on the march to be crowned Premier League champions for the second consecutive season after a 2-2 with Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

United looked in pole position to extend the gap at the top to five points after Cristiano Ronaldo converted a Michael Carrick pass to score his 37th goal of the season in all competitions on 10 minutes.

Middlesbrough had other ideas and it was record signing Afonso Alves who sent pulses racing on the Old Trafford bench with an impressive brace that put Gareth Southgate’s men within sight of a massive upset.

Wayne Rooney came to the rescue with an equaliser 15 minutes from time after great work on the wing from substitute Park Ji Sung.

Manchester United are now only three points clear of Chelsea in what could be the tightest title run-in in years. Sir Alex Ferguson will be anxiously waiting on news of Rio Ferdinand; the England defender limped off at the Riverside with a foot injury.

United can ill afford to attack the home straight without first choice centre-backs - Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand, especially after suspect performances from Wes Brown and John O’Shea in Sunday’s clash.

United have the three points cushion but face a massive test at Old Trafford next Sunday against a wounded Arsenal, who threw their title ambitions out of the window after drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at the Emirates.

The key clash for the Red Devils is Chelsea away on the 26^th of April, whom they face after a tricky visit to Ewood Park.

If Avram Grant’s men can continue their recent run of good form it’s feasible that fixture could be a title decider. The Blues are in fine fettle after beating Manchester City on Saturday 2-0.

There’s also Champions League action in tandem, it looks like it’s going to be an exciting month or so of footy ahead.

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