Date:31/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/31/stories/2008123155641600.htm

Sport - Football

Berbatov nets winner

LONDON: Dimitar Berbatov’s 69th minute goal gave Manchester United a hard fought 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the English Premier League on Monday to boost its title defence.

The Red Devils remain seven points adrift of leader Liverpool, but with two games in hand.

On a frustrating night at Old Trafford, Berbatov took until midway through the second half to break the deadlock.

The Bulgarian striker volleyed home from close range after Michael Carrick’s cross had bounced back off defender David Wheater.

Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Park Ji-sung had all squandered chances before Berbatov’s winner.

Park could have extended United’s lead, but somehow managed to shoot over from three meters.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said that his side’s wastefulness in front of goal was becoming a worry.

“We have missed a lot of chances. That is a big concern,” Ferguson said after the match, the second in a row in which United has ground out a 1-0 win over inferior opponents; it beat Stoke by the same scoreline on Friday.

Ferguson’s praise

“(Wins like this) are just as important,” Ferguson said. “Three points are the name of the game. But I have to say how well Middlesbrough played tonight. For a team in their position (one place above the relegation zone) it belies their ability.”

Ferguson also had praise for Berbatov, who has struggled to reproduce the kind of form he showed at former club Tottenham.

“He is a marvellous player and I thought he was absolutely superb for us. He took his goal well,” Ferguson said. — AP