And that’s saying something considering Emanuel Pogatetz seemed more interested in burying his fist in Cristiano Ronaldo’s throat.
Despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s call for a truce with regard to the recent enmity between United and Middlesbrough, a match that simmered on the pitch threatened to erupt down the tunnel at half time.
Pogatetz and Ronaldo – both key figures in recent rows between the clubs – argued all the way to the dressing rooms.
The Portuguese international – accused of diving in the past by Gareth Southgate - was infuriated by a roughhouse challenge from Pogatetz following a corner late on in the first half.
The Middlesbrough man has previous – having inflicted a deep gash on the shin of Rodrigo Possebon in United’s Carling Cup victory at Old Trafford in September.
Ronaldo though was more concerned about being decapitated than a mere cut to his leg. And after tensions spilled over in the tunnel, it seems Ferguson’s seasonal wish of making peace with Boro, will be delayed at least until United travel to the Riverside later in the season.
Despite pounding Boro with wave upon wave of attack from the outset, a series of wasted opportunities threatened to see United frustrated once again and hand Liverpool a significant psychological boost heading into 2009.
The England striker should have finished off a swift move, but instead chose to cross to no one in particular. The ball eventually found its way to Carrick, who laboured over his shot, which was eventually deflected wide.
But Rooney was unfortunate just before the break when forcing a tremendous fingertip save.
United fared little better in the second half with Park forcing a save and Ronaldo firing wide until Berbatov found the breakthrough.
There were still opportunities to give the scoreline a more realistic reflection, but for Park’s staggering miss and an air shot from Berbatov when found 12 yards out by Rooney.
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