Berbatov spares United blushes: Man United 1, Middlesbrough 0

DIMITAR BERBATOV dug Manchester United out of what could have been an embarrassing hole last night as their Premier League title hopes were about to be dealt a blow by Middlesbrough.

Until the Bulgarian struck the decisive goal in the 69th minute, it looked as though it would be a frustrating night in which two valuable points would be frittered away against the relegation threatened Teesside team.

It was hardly the show-stopping performance the occasion demanded on the night when pre-match the Reds were proudly proclaimed the best team in the world as they paraded the FIFA World Club Cup before their adoring fans.

The Reds milked the acclaim on the pitch while off it a massive banner at the Stretford End taunted rivals Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture, as it stated ‘European Capital of Trophies’ complete with the Liverpool 08 logo.

Yet it was a display which was far from that of world beaters as they laboured to a win which keeps them on the shirt tails of Liverpool and Chelsea, the Premier League’s top two.

While Sir Alex Ferguson reflected on a highly successful 2008 when the Reds were crowned champions of England, Europe and the World, he also sounded a note of caution.

The United manager again reiterated an earlier worry that his team needs to be more clinical in front of goal.

That was reinforced by the fact the Reds had 25 attempts at goal, but managed to find the net only once.

Ferguson said: “We had a lot of chances and I hope we do not live to suffer from not taking them.

“Our finishing is the only part of our game which is causing concern because our performance level is very good, as is our energy and concentration.”

Ferguson also remarked on his side’s defensive stability as they last night kept a seventh successive clean sheet in the Premier League.

And Ferguson praised Jonny Evans, who again deputised for the injured Rio Ferdinand, describing him as as “gem” of a player.

The first half was frustrating as there was a procession of wasted chances from United.

Cristiano Ronaldo had one glaring miss, firing wide from 10 yards, while Wayne Rooney was denied by a superb save by Ross Turnbull.

Ferguson brought on the experience of Paul Scholes and Gary Neville shortly after the hour mark and the breakthrough eventually came in the 69th minute after a rare mistake from Boro, who had defended with grit and determination.

Central defender David Wheater made an almighty mess attempting to clear a Michael Carrick cross, enabling Berbatov to find the net from 10 yards.

There was a huge sigh of relief around Old Trafford and late on there were further glaring misses as United had enough chances to have won by a double-digit margin yet only just scraped home.