Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 2. PORTUGUESE winger Cristiano Ronaldo became the most hated figure on Teesside tonight when he had a starring role in inflicting defeat on Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

The Manchester United winger was a constant threat to the Boro backline with his array of tricks but it was the bad side of his game that he will be most remembered for here.

Louis Saha gave United the lead from the spot after 19 minutes when referee Chris Foy awarded a penalty for Ronaldo's drop to the floor following a dive at his feet by Mark Schwarzer.

There appeared to be little, if any, contact yet Saha was still able to convert the spot-kick much to the home side's frustration.

Nevertheless, after the restart, Boro responded positively and equalised when Darlington-born James Morrison volleyed superbly into the far corner of Edwin van der Sar's goal.

But, less than two second half minutes later, United charged down the other end and sealed the win through midfielder Darren Fletcher's close range header. The victory means the Red Devils have extended their lead over Chelsea at the top of the Premiership to six points.

MIDDLESBROUGH (5-3-2): Schwarzer; Xavier (Parnaby 88), Woodgate (Morrison 46), Pogatetz , Huth , Taylor ; Cattermole, Boateng, Downing; Christie (Maccarone 72), Yakubu 5. Subs (not used): Jones, Arca.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-4-2): Van Der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze; Ronaldo (Brown 87), Scholes, Fletcher (O'Shea 75), Giggs; Rooney, Saha. Subs (not used): Kuszczak, Evra, Carrick.