Berbatov goal keeps United in touch

Dimitar Berbatov dozed through 69 minutes of Manchester United's home game with Middlesbrough last night before scoring the only goal to keep the champions in touch with the Premier League leaders.

The Bulgarian striker appeared an uninterested observer for much of a freezing night at Old Trafford as team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo missed half a dozen chances to secure a lead against a Boro team who had not won in their seven previous games.

However, when the visiting defence failed to properly clear a Michael Carrick cross Berbatov was well placed near the penalty spot to steer it back past Ross Turnbull for the decisive goal.

From that point on it was one-way traffic as a flurry of decent attempts from the lung-busting Park and determined Ronaldo threatened to seal the three points for United.

The reigning champions managed to hold out when Boro rallied late on and they now turn their attention to the domestic cup competitions.

On Saturday, United open their FA Cup campaign when they face Southampton. Then they travel to Pride Park to face Derby County in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Their next commitment in the Premier League is on Sunday, January 10 when they host second-placed Chelsea at Old Trafford.

United are third in the Premier League standings on 38 points but with two games in hand on their three main rivals. Liverpool, who thumped Newcastle United 5-1 away on Sunday, lead the way on 45 points, with Chelsea second on 42.

This evening Aston Villa travel to Hull City and victory for Martin O'Neill's side will see them leapfrog Arsenal to fourth place.

Today Hull City vs Aston Villa (21.00).

The Championship Blackpool vs Wolves 2-2.