'Cut-price Manchester United striker Alan Smith upstaged his costly counterparts to salvage a point for the Reds against Middlesbrough. But even the £7m forward couldn't prevent another damaging blow to United's Premiership title hopes. The Reds' revival and part two of the Wayne Rooney show both came to a shuddering halt against Steve McClaren's Teessiders.
Sir Alex Ferguson's former assistant has made a habit of outdoing his ex-boss since leaving Old Trafford with four league and cup wins to his name against United. A February home defeat by 'Boro was cited last term as the kind of result that cost United a serious say in the championship and the club could be looking back on this draw in a similar vein next May as Arsenal cruise along nine points ahead of the Reds.'