Team Pld W D L Pts
1 Man. United 34 25 5 4 80
2 Liverpool 34 21 11 2 74
3 Chelsea 35 22 8 5 74
4 Arsenal 35 19 11 5 68
5 Aston Villa 34 15 10 9 55
6 Everton 34 14 11 9 53
7 West Ham 35 13 9 13 48
8 Man. City 35 14 5 16 47
9 Fulham 35 12 11 12 47
10 Tottenham 35 13 8 14 47
11 Wigan 34 11 9 14 42
12 Bolton 35 11 6 18 39
13 Stoke 35 10 9 16 39
14 Portsmouth 35 9 11 15 38
15 Blackburn 35 9 10 16 37
16 Sunderland 34 9 8 17 35
17 Hull 34 8 10 16 34
18 Newcastle 34 6 13 15 31
19 Middlesbrough 35 7 10 18 31
20 West Brom 35 7 7 21 28
Victory at Boro edges United closer
Goals from Ryan Giggs and Ji-Sung Park gave Manchester United FC a comfortable 2-0 win at Middlesbrough FC on Saturday to extend their lead in the Premier League to six points with four games remaining.
Relegation fight
The champions were unruffled by a Boro side who offered surprisingly little fight considering they are in grave danger of being relegated. Giggs, who made his 800th appearance for United in Wednesday's 1-0 UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg victory against Arsenal FC, fired the visitors in front after 25 minutes with a sweet strike from the edge of the area and Park made sure of the points early in the second half after a clever pass from Wayne Rooney. United have 80 points from 34 matches with Liverpool FC, who play at home to Newcastle United FC on Sunday, on 74 from 34.
Relegation fight
The champions were unruffled by a Boro side who offered surprisingly little fight considering they are in grave danger of being relegated. Giggs, who made his 800th appearance for United in Wednesday's 1-0 UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg victory against Arsenal FC, fired the visitors in front after 25 minutes with a sweet strike from the edge of the area and Park made sure of the points early in the second half after a clever pass from Wayne Rooney. United have 80 points from 34 matches with Liverpool FC, who play at home to Newcastle United FC on Sunday, on 74 from 34.
Middlesbrough 0 United 2
Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park struck in either half to give the Reds three priceless domestic points, as the annually tricky trip to Middlesbrough evolved into a Saturday afternoon stroll on Teesside. United's defensive resolve and attacking incision bore the hallmark of champions, and barely gave the relegation-haunted hosts a sniff of encouragement.
As expected, Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack with next week's clash with Arsenal at the core of his thinking. Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and the injured Rio Ferdinand were omitted from the squad entirely, while Anderson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez were held in reserve on the substitutes' bench.
That meant only John O'Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney started after lining up against the Gunners last Wednesday, and Middlesbrough - desperate for points to stave off the very real threat of relegation - were keen to check for any signs that the Reds' collective attentions were already drifting to European matters.
There were certainly none apparent in a keenly-contested opening in which both sides harrassed the other for possession. John O'Shea had to be alert to head Jeremie Aliadiere's cross away from Stewart Downing, while Rooney drilled narrowly over from distance as the first 20 minutes carried little threat of either side opening the scoring.
Boro were the first to genuinely threaten as Marlon King fed Aliadiere deep inside the United area but, with Vidic hurtling across the box to apply vital pressure, the Frenchman could only muster a half-hit shot, which Foster saved well with his feet.
That scare sparked United into life, and within three minutes the champions had forged ahead. After Matthew Bates had brilliantly prevented Giggs from firing off a shot at the expense of a corner, the ball arrived at Vidic on the edge of the area. Bates and Kiko Macheda collided in going for the Serbian's pass and it fell to Giggs, who took a touch and sent an unstoppable low shot skidding into Brad Jones' bottom left-hand corner.
The goal took Giggs to 148 career goals for the Reds, but of more importance was that it largely extinguished the limited vim and vigour in Boro's display, and Paul Scholes might have doubled United's lead on two occasions in the dying stages of the half, but snatched both efforts wide from the edge of the area.
No matter. The Reds' dominance relented only for the interval and, after Macheda had fired Rooney's pull-back just wide, Park struck a sumptuous second goal with just five minutes of the second period gone. Crisp passing and undetectable movement characterised a delicious build-up, crowned by a superb reverse ball from Rooney which allowed Park to strike a clinical first-time effort just inside Jones' post.
The Korean had his first goal since September's strike at Chelsea, and had also secured three vital points in the ongoing title race. Boro were now devoid of any belief that they could mount a comeback, and Sir Alex gradually freshened up his team with the introduction of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Rafael for Macheda, Park and Evra.
Despite the absence of Ferdinand, United's defence was rarely troubled, and only a last-ditch challenge from David Wheater prevented Tevez from capping a winding run with a goal of his own. Similarly desperate defending allowed Robert Huth to deny O'Shea a second goal in a week, while Rooney curled a 20-yard free-kick just wide.
The earlier goals from Giggs and Park had already done enough, though, and United could canter to the finish line. A maximum of seven points from four remaining domestic games will secure a third successive league title, and attentions can now switch to Tuesday's Champions League trip to the Emirates Stadium.
As expected, Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack with next week's clash with Arsenal at the core of his thinking. Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and the injured Rio Ferdinand were omitted from the squad entirely, while Anderson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez were held in reserve on the substitutes' bench.
That meant only John O'Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney started after lining up against the Gunners last Wednesday, and Middlesbrough - desperate for points to stave off the very real threat of relegation - were keen to check for any signs that the Reds' collective attentions were already drifting to European matters.
There were certainly none apparent in a keenly-contested opening in which both sides harrassed the other for possession. John O'Shea had to be alert to head Jeremie Aliadiere's cross away from Stewart Downing, while Rooney drilled narrowly over from distance as the first 20 minutes carried little threat of either side opening the scoring.
Boro were the first to genuinely threaten as Marlon King fed Aliadiere deep inside the United area but, with Vidic hurtling across the box to apply vital pressure, the Frenchman could only muster a half-hit shot, which Foster saved well with his feet.
That scare sparked United into life, and within three minutes the champions had forged ahead. After Matthew Bates had brilliantly prevented Giggs from firing off a shot at the expense of a corner, the ball arrived at Vidic on the edge of the area. Bates and Kiko Macheda collided in going for the Serbian's pass and it fell to Giggs, who took a touch and sent an unstoppable low shot skidding into Brad Jones' bottom left-hand corner.
The goal took Giggs to 148 career goals for the Reds, but of more importance was that it largely extinguished the limited vim and vigour in Boro's display, and Paul Scholes might have doubled United's lead on two occasions in the dying stages of the half, but snatched both efforts wide from the edge of the area.
No matter. The Reds' dominance relented only for the interval and, after Macheda had fired Rooney's pull-back just wide, Park struck a sumptuous second goal with just five minutes of the second period gone. Crisp passing and undetectable movement characterised a delicious build-up, crowned by a superb reverse ball from Rooney which allowed Park to strike a clinical first-time effort just inside Jones' post.
The Korean had his first goal since September's strike at Chelsea, and had also secured three vital points in the ongoing title race. Boro were now devoid of any belief that they could mount a comeback, and Sir Alex gradually freshened up his team with the introduction of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Rafael for Macheda, Park and Evra.
Despite the absence of Ferdinand, United's defence was rarely troubled, and only a last-ditch challenge from David Wheater prevented Tevez from capping a winding run with a goal of his own. Similarly desperate defending allowed Robert Huth to deny O'Shea a second goal in a week, while Rooney curled a 20-yard free-kick just wide.
The earlier goals from Giggs and Park had already done enough, though, and United could canter to the finish line. A maximum of seven points from four remaining domestic games will secure a third successive league title, and attentions can now switch to Tuesday's Champions League trip to the Emirates Stadium.
A near-perfect
afternoon's work at the Riverside Stadium allowed United to open up a six-point lead at the head of the Barclays Premier League table, and rest a number of key players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Boss hails a big step forward
The Riverside Stadium has been a difficult ground for the Reds in the recent past, even last season when Gareth Southgate's men caused the champions to drop two points. But there seemed little danger of a repeat once Ryan Giggs scored the first goal after 25 minutes.
"Getting in front was the key to it," said Sir Alex.
"I thought we’d have a great chance if we got in front because Middlesbrough are a young side, they’re at the bottom and nerves come into play when they’re playing Manchester United in that situation.
"They had to chase the game and that only opened the game up for us really."
Although the victory looked easy from the sidelines, Sir Alex insists his players had to put in the graft against a home side grappling for points at the wrong end of the table.
"I think it was a very good performance in a sense that the players all worked their socks off," he said.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult type of game because of the position Middlesbrough are in at the moment. We had to withstand the battle - there were a lot of crosses into the box early on - but once we got hold of the ball I thought we always looked a danger."
United's best use of the ball brought a second goal six minutes into the second half when Ji-sung Park latched onto Wayne Rooney's reverse pass and lashed a fine shot into the bottom right-hand corner. It capped another industrious performance from the Korean.
"He's clever, he knows when to time his runs, he knows where space is," said Sir Alex.
"He's been fantastic this season. We just had to give him a rest after he’d been over in Korea for two international games, when he came back a bit jaded. We gave him two weeks off and now he’s back, looking great and fresh."
The Reds are in a great position now, needing only seven of the remaining twelve points on offer to put the title beyond Liverpool's reach.
"It’s a big step forward, with only four games left now," said Sir Alex.
"I keep saying it’s about whittling the games away. Eventually there are no games left and hopefully we’ll be in that position at the top of the league."
"Getting in front was the key to it," said Sir Alex.
"I thought we’d have a great chance if we got in front because Middlesbrough are a young side, they’re at the bottom and nerves come into play when they’re playing Manchester United in that situation.
"They had to chase the game and that only opened the game up for us really."
Although the victory looked easy from the sidelines, Sir Alex insists his players had to put in the graft against a home side grappling for points at the wrong end of the table.
"I think it was a very good performance in a sense that the players all worked their socks off," he said.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult type of game because of the position Middlesbrough are in at the moment. We had to withstand the battle - there were a lot of crosses into the box early on - but once we got hold of the ball I thought we always looked a danger."
United's best use of the ball brought a second goal six minutes into the second half when Ji-sung Park latched onto Wayne Rooney's reverse pass and lashed a fine shot into the bottom right-hand corner. It capped another industrious performance from the Korean.
"He's clever, he knows when to time his runs, he knows where space is," said Sir Alex.
"He's been fantastic this season. We just had to give him a rest after he’d been over in Korea for two international games, when he came back a bit jaded. We gave him two weeks off and now he’s back, looking great and fresh."
The Reds are in a great position now, needing only seven of the remaining twelve points on offer to put the title beyond Liverpool's reach.
"It’s a big step forward, with only four games left now," said Sir Alex.
"I keep saying it’s about whittling the games away. Eventually there are no games left and hopefully we’ll be in that position at the top of the league."
Sir Alex Ferguson
believes United made significant progress towards the Barclays Premier League title by beating Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Fight to the finish
Saturday's stroll at Middlesbrough put the Reds six points clear of Liverpool, but Giggs - going for his record-extending 11th league title - expects the Merseysiders to keep plugging away.
"We always pencilled this in as a tough game," Giggs told Sky Sports at the Riverside Stadium. "It always is against Middlesbrough and we struggled here last year.
"We just wanted to get this one out of the way. We’ve done that and now we’ve just got to concentrate on the remaining games, because Liverpool are a good side and they’ll definitely fight to the end."
Giggs opened the scoring in fine fashion against Gareth Southgate's side, and it was a fitting end to a perfect week for the Welshman.
"It’s been a great week," he said. "Winning the (PFA Player of the Year) award, reaching 800 appearances and scoring today, it really couldn't have gone ant better."
"We always pencilled this in as a tough game," Giggs told Sky Sports at the Riverside Stadium. "It always is against Middlesbrough and we struggled here last year.
"We just wanted to get this one out of the way. We’ve done that and now we’ve just got to concentrate on the remaining games, because Liverpool are a good side and they’ll definitely fight to the end."
Giggs opened the scoring in fine fashion against Gareth Southgate's side, and it was a fitting end to a perfect week for the Welshman.
"It’s been a great week," he said. "Winning the (PFA Player of the Year) award, reaching 800 appearances and scoring today, it really couldn't have gone ant better."
Giggs
Seven points from four games will assure United of a third successive Barclays Premier League title, but Ryan Giggs insists the Reds aren't getting ahead of themselves.
Park raring to go
The Korean was given two weeks on the sidelines by Sir Alex Ferguson after his recent international exertions, a move which proved a masterstroke as Park scored United's second goal at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
With four domestic games remaining and Tuesday's Champions League semi-final trip to Arsenal looming large, Park is relishing a busy end to the season.
"I always try 100 per cent to score and to help the team win," Park told MUTV. "There are just a few games left this season so I’ll give my all on the pitch.
"We’re in a great position but it’s not finished. We must try to concentrate until the end of the season. Every single game now is a final, so we must just keep trying to win."
Saturday's win at the Riverside was achieved with a number of key players rested as Sir Alex kept one eye on Tuesday's trip to the Emirates, and Ji says the Reds are in confident mood of reaching this month's final in Rome.
"Of course everybody’s confident that we can win," said Park.
"Wednesday night’s (first-leg) performance was good and a few players will be refreshed for Tuesday, so we’re all confident."
With four domestic games remaining and Tuesday's Champions League semi-final trip to Arsenal looming large, Park is relishing a busy end to the season.
"I always try 100 per cent to score and to help the team win," Park told MUTV. "There are just a few games left this season so I’ll give my all on the pitch.
"We’re in a great position but it’s not finished. We must try to concentrate until the end of the season. Every single game now is a final, so we must just keep trying to win."
Saturday's win at the Riverside was achieved with a number of key players rested as Sir Alex kept one eye on Tuesday's trip to the Emirates, and Ji says the Reds are in confident mood of reaching this month's final in Rome.
"Of course everybody’s confident that we can win," said Park.
"Wednesday night’s (first-leg) performance was good and a few players will be refreshed for Tuesday, so we’re all confident."
Ji-sung Park
is refreshed and ready to give everything as United's bid to retain the Barclays Premier League and Champions League winds towards its climax.
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