Tired legs and injuries taking their toll on Reds..

United could only manage 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough in today's 5.15pm kick-off. In sharp contrast to today's performance, the visitors were by all accounts were nothing short of pathetic in midweek when they rolled over for Liverpool at Anfield. This evening every one of the Boro players played as if their very lives depended on it, as once again United came up against a team who were prepared to raise their collective game when facing the Red Devils.

Those with half decent memories will recall that Southgate the Boro manager rested several players in the Premiership home game with Man City so he'd have fresh players to face United in the FA Cup, thankfully the Reds beat Boro in the FA Cup as they have done in every other game this season barring today. Southgate and his players haven't stopped carping about their games with United this season.

Richardson gave United an early lead after good work by first Scholes and then Rooney, but the Reds looked heavy legged and didn't play well throughout this game. Perhaps as bad as dropping two more points in the league, United also lost Rio Ferdinand before the break with what looked like a reoccurence of his groin injury and he could now be out for several games, which worst case could cost United dearly. Viduka took full advantage of United's dithering over the Rio injury and powered home a good diving header before the half time interval to make it all square.

It remains to be seen now what Newcastle will do tomorrow against Chelsea, will they roll over?

Contrary to the Boro players celebrations after securing a point today, they didn't win a trophy. Though I guess, this is as near as the feeling gets for teams like Boro. If only Southgate could motivate his players like he apparently can for every game agains the Reds, perhaps they wouldn't be so disappointing as nearly always are.

Despite the Boro players and management being hell bent on taking a point at Old Trafford today, United should have been good enough to beat this team of journey men and nearly men, but they weren't, the injuries have taken their toll on a squad which is now looking over stretched.