The Hindu : Sport / Football : Rooney rescues point for Manchester United

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Rooney rescues point for Manchester United

MIDDLESBROUGH: Wayne Rooney’s late equaliser rescued a point for Manchester United as it was pushed all the way by Middlesbrough in a pulsating 2-2 Premier League draw at the Riverside Stadium here on Sunday.

In another match, Everton’s Leon Osman scored against Derby to keep hopes flickering that his side could still snatch fourth place.

Middlesbrough’s £12 million club record signing Afonso Alves finally came good with cool finishes either side of half-time to threaten table-topping United with a rare defeat.

But Sir Alex Ferguson’s men displayed their title credentials by hitting back through Rooney’s 17th goal of the season with 16 minutes left, as the England striker swept home a low Park Ji-Sung cross from close range with the aid of a deflection off defender David Wheater.

The hard-earned draw was enough to push United three points clear at the top of the table as it closes in on its 10th Premier League crown.

But its failure to beat a spirited Middlesbrough side means that second-placed Chelsea retains hopes of preventing the Old Trafford club from successfully defending its title.

United looked to be coasting thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s early opener — the prolific winger’s 37th goal of quite an amazing season.

Alves struck 10 minutes before half-time to pull the host level.

Manchester United had conceded in the Premier League for the first time in eight-and-a-quarter hours.

United was denied what appeared to be a strong penalty claim shortly before half-time when defender Andrew Taylor batted down Ronaldo’s goal-bound shot.

And it looked like the decision would prove even more costly when Alves deservedly put Boro ahead in the 56th minute. The South American was the first to react to Aliadiere’s flick-on to outpace Rio Ferdinand — who was to later limp off to make him an injury worry — before curling his shot beyond van der Sar from 10 yards. In an end-to-end finale, Rooney and Boro substitute Tuncay Sanli went close, but a late winner for either side would have been grossly unfair as both had played their part in a memorable encounter.

The results: Middlesbrough 2 (Alves 35,56) drew with Manchester United 2 (Ronaldo 10, Rooney 74); Everton 1 (Osman 56) bt Derby County 0. — Agencies

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