Boss satisfied with point

Sir Alex Ferguson believes United's 2-2 draw on Teesside could turn out to be a valuable point in the Reds' quest to retain the league title.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with his 37th goal of the season on nine minutes, but Afonso Alves drew the home side level 10 minutes before the break.

The Brazilian then put the hosts in front in the 56th minute, before Wayne Rooney fired a vital equaliser 16 minutes from time.

"We could have lost the game," admitted Sir Alex afterwards on MUTV. "They had some chances and our defending was a bit haphazard at times.

"But on the other side of it, we could have won the game. Some of our football was terrific and we looked very strong and in control when we took the lead.

"Wayne Rooney was wrongly flagged offside when he was clean through just after that and when they got their equaliser it became a great game of football.

"It was end-to-end and both teams deserve great credit for producing a performance like that at this stage of the season."

The result leaves the Reds three points clear at the top of the table with five games to go. Although disappointed not to have left the Riverside with a victory, Sir Alex remains upbeat over his side's chances.

"The nature of our football club is we never give in and that's a great quality to have at this time of year," he insisted.

"It could turn out to be an important point and our goal difference is very good as well. But we can't take anything granted.

"I said some weeks ago that the most consistent team will win it and hopefully it turns out to be us."