Manchester United met Middlesbrough in this Sunday's early kick off.

As expected Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo gave United the lead in the 10th minute connecting with a Michael Carrick cross.

Middlesbrough's Brazilian striker Afonso Alves scored his first goal for the Teesiders. A great finish past Van der Sar from a Gary O'Neill long ball.

Alves doubled his tally with a brilliant finish past United's Dutch keeper in the second half.

Edwin Van der Sar made some brilliant saves in both halves to keep United in the game. The Red Devils who were already missing Serbian defender Vidic had Rio Ferdinand limp off the pitch in the second half.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the injury is not serious and Ferdinand should be available for United's second leg with Roma.

Despite missing several opportunities to equalise, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney ensured his side took away at least a point from the Riverside after finishing off a move started by South Korea's Park Ji Sung.

Manchester United are now just three points ahead of Chelsea, this means United's clash with Arsenal next week is very important as is their meeting with Chelsea on the 26th of April.