Football story by Georgina Scane, Sun, 30 Oct 2005 13:56:00 GMT


LONDON - Manchester United's dreams of catching runaway League leaders Chelsea suffered a huge setback when they were soundly beaten by a Mendieta-inspired Middlesbrough at the Riverside stadium.

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar gifted the first goal within 2 minutes to Gaizka Mendieta, when he let his free kick slip through his fingers. Rio Ferdinand's wretched season continued as he let Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink through for the second. After this United only played catch up.

Yakubu Ayegbeni made it 3-0 from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Stuart Parnaby was fouled in the penalty area. It was a glum Manchester United who went in to the dressing room at half time. Wayne Rooney tried his best in what was a bits and pieces first half for the richest club in the world.

Boro understandably wanted to sit of their 3-0 cushion after half time and thus United had the major possession after the break, but unfortunately were unable to convert possession into goals. Boro meanwhile added to their tally 78th minute when Mendieta completed his brace. Cristiano Ronaldo headed in United's 1,000th Premiership goal on the stroke of full time, but it was little consolation.

Sir Alex Ferguson was furious with his side and called the defeat an "embarrassment". Some of the goals should not have gone through, "It was a shocking performance," said Ferguson. "We conceded some terrible goals and we can't afford do that with what we're trying to achieve." Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren was elated at the super performance of his team, "We had to impose our system on theirs. We did that and it was a platform for our win. We have been waiting for this kind of performance and result."

Next weekend, Manchester United face Chelsea and it is going to take a huge effort from Fergie's boys to stop Mourhino's marauding men.

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