Boss salutes 'amazing' Reds

Sir Alex was delighted with United's fourth four-goal haul in as many matches, but admitted the Reds almost let Middlesbrough back into the game.

Nani fired United into the lead in the third minute, only for former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere to equalise three minutes later.

"For weeks people were going on about our 1-0 wins but now they're going on about us scoring four. It's amazing!" the manager told MUTV. "Some of the attacking play today was very good, although when we got in front we took our foot off the pedal. We started running with the ball, didn't play the way we normally play and paid the penalty.

"We weren't getting to the ball quick enough and I think the players really needed a wake-up call, and that's exactly what their goal did to us. Credit to Middlesbrough for that 20-minute period where they got in and about us."

Gareth Southgate's side may have made things difficult for the Reds in the first half, but the second period was all United and the match ended 4-1.

"There was no doubt we were on top in the second half," Sir Alex agreed. "There was far more concentration, our attacking play improved and we could have scored a lot of goals."

The boss was particularly impressed with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, who linked superbly for United's third.

"I think that goal sums up their partnership. It was all about quick-thinking, great vision and, you know, the courage to even try that. Wayne could have taken another touch but he knew Tevez was making that run and a little backheel put him in on goal. It was a fantastic goal and hopefully we're going to see a more complete partnership."