Manchester United 2 Middlesbrough 1
Middlesbrough's hopes of repeating their famous victory at Old Trafford two seasons ago, and easing the pressure on manager Bryan Robson, were cruelly dashed.
Christian Karembeu's first goal for Boro rocked the champions in the 31st minute. The £2.1m summer signing from Real Madrid was recalled by Robson after being axed for last week's home defeat by Arsenal.
And the French midfielder responded by lobbing fellow countryman Fabien Barthez in the United goal after robbing Nicky Butt and working a one-two with Hamilton Ricard.
It was all in vain, however, when Butt tapped home Roy Keane's cross in the 62nd minute before substitute Teddy Sheringham fired home three minutes later to condemn Boro to their sixth successive defeat.
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