Middlesbrough 0 Man Utd 2: Vintage Giggs inches United to the title

04 May 2009 10:25
Sir Alex Ferguson may have made seven changes, including afull rest for Cristiano Ronaldo, but Gareth Southgate must still havehad a heavy heart when he saw the champions' line-up against his young team. The Manchester United manager put Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes atthe heart of his ruthless and steely team, knowing the pair would relisha rare start together and deliver to ensure they could justify taking yet another Premier League winners' medal at the end of the month. So they did, controlling a gamewith ease and tormenting a sorry Middlesbrough side who simplycould not compete after Jonny Evans and the immense Nemanja Vidic had dismissed their energetic start. After that, United, with Wayne Rooney at his hungry and demandingbest, took control. If Middlesbrough do go down, at least they know they will be spared humiliations like this. Southgate still hopes his young players can avoidhaving to further their development in the Championship, although heaccepts it would have long-term benefits for a squad who will bestripped bare if they go down.

Source: Daily_Mail