That loud thud you may have heard earlier was Manchester United and their fans crashing to earth.
After an outstanding performance mid-week in the Champions League, the Red Devils could only draw 1-1 against bogey team Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. (Reports: BBC, Soccernet.)
Rooney got all the headlines prior to this match and much was expected of him but the first goal of the match came courtesy of two Boro youngsters making their Premiership debuts. Morrison beat Heinze on United’s left flank and produced a delightful cross for Downing to slam the ball past Caroll.
Boro looked the better side as the match progressed though they didn’t particularly look like scoring much. McClaren’s side seemed content to stifle United and keep possession for the most of the match and Boro were aided in their task by a United team which gave the ball away far too cheaply and far too frequently.
United did have numerous chances to equalise but the Red Devils just couldn’t convert them. Van Nistelrooy fluffed a couple of opportunities as did, believe it or not, Gary Neville.
It really looked as if it would be one of those days but United got the goal they were desperately seeking in the 81st minute. Ronaldo kept the ball in intead of letting it go out for a corner and his cross found Smith who headed past Schwarzer for the equaliser.
(That loud sound you may have heard earlier was my shout of relief.)
United are now nine points behind Arsenal and I think anything less than a win against the Gunners on October 24 is going to be fatal to United’s chances of winning the Premiership this season. It’s only three points and it’s only October, but I think the result of that match is going to be important psychologically as it was last year.
