United extend Premier League lead
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Quinton Fortune's shot was deflected in for United's winning goal
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MIDDLESBROUGH, England -- Ten-man Manchester United held on to beat Middlesbrough 1-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points.
United benefited from an early own goal by Danny Mills and then battled hard after midfielder Darren Fletcher was dismissed for a second booking on 65 minutes.
Victory left United with 46 points, followed on 42 by Arsenal and Chelsea, who recovered from Friday's mauling by Charlton with an emphatic 3-0 victory over struggling Portsmouth.
Arsenal play Southampton on Monday.
United, who absorbed intense pressure in the closing minutes, went ahead on 14 minutes when South African midfielder Quinton Fortune's shot took a wicked deflection off Mills and left Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer stranded.
Boro enjoyed plenty of second half possession in their search for an equalizer but failed to create any clearcut opportunities, and only a fantastic reflex block by keeper Mark Schwarzer and the crossbar denied United a second through Paul Scholes.
United coach Sir Alex Ferguson said his side were deserving winners.
"I don't think Middlesbrough made a chance in the whole match," said Ferguson "I don't think Tim Howard made a save."
Ferguson was also unimpressed by Fletcher's red card.
"The referee's made a rod for his own back really -- the first booking was ridiculous. If you go on that principle, there should have been four or five sent off."
