Middlesbrough 0-1 Man Utd

More photos from the Riverside

Manchester United consolidated their lead at the Premiership summit with a hard-fought victory over Middlesbrough.

Quinton Fortune's early goal, deflected off Danny Mills, settled a fiercely-contested battle at The Riverside.

And United had to survive a late Middlesbrough rally with only ten men after Darren Fletcher was sent off.

Middlesbrough failed to make their numerical advantage pay as United confirmed their current supremacy.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wheeled out the big guns after fielding an under-strength side in the Boxing Day win against Everton.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all returned to the starting line-up - and the injection of class showed in an impressive opening.

United took the lead after 14 minutes when Fortune's shot was deflected past Mark Schwarzer by Mills.

Mills was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card from referee Matt Messias six minutes later when he swung an elbow violently at Giggs as they chased possession in midfield.

Giggs was fortunately out of range, but Mills could have had no complaints had he been sent off.

KEY MOMENTS 14 mins: Fortune's deflected shot puts Man Utd head 64 mins: Man Utd's Fletcher sent off for a second bookable offence

The Welsh winger almost heaped further punishment on Middlesbrough when he ran into the penalty area, but pulled his cross behind Van Nistelrooy and Scholes.

The first half ended in fury when referee Messias waved play on following Keane's challenge on Juninho - then moments later booked Boateng for a similar challenge on the United captain.

Juninho was also booked for protesting, while Keane hobbled to the touchline for treatment.

Scholes almost doubled United's lead after 55 minutes when he lashed a shot from eight yards, but Schwarzer brilliantly touched his effort on to the bar.

Well done to United for keeping the score at 1-0. Shame about the ref! From Gary Solomon Have your say on 606

United were reduced to ten men after 64 minutes when Fletcher, having earlier been booked for a foul on Stuart Parnaby, tangled with Boudwijn Zenden and was sent off.

It was harsh given Mills' earlier escape, but there was no excuse for Gary Neville's headlong rush at referee Messias which was halted by a timely intervention from Gareth Southgate.

Middlesbrough upped the tempo to provide United with some anxious moments, Ferguson bolstering his defensive effort by replacing striker Van Nistelrooy with Nicky Butt late on.

It was enough to keep Middlesbrough at bay and ensure a second win over the holiday period for United.

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Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Queudrue (Parnaby 19), Mills, Southgate, Ehiogu, Zenden, Mendieta, Greening (Maccarone 73), Boateng, Juninho Paulista, Ricketts, Parnaby (Downing 73).
Subs Not Used: Jones, Riggott.

Booked: Mills, Boateng, Juninho Paulista.

Man Utd: Howard, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Fortune, Fletcher, Phil Neville, Keane, Giggs, Scholes, Van Nistelrooy (Butt 84).
Subs Not Used: Carroll, Brown, Kleberson, Forlan.

Sent off: Fletcher (65).

Booked: Fletcher, Phil Neville.

Attendance: 34,738.

Referee: M Messias (N Yorkshire)