Berbatov goal gives United narrow victory

(CNN) -- Dimitar Berbatov scored the only goal as Manchester United beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at Old Trafford on Monday to move to within seven points of Premier League leaders Liverpool -- with two vital games in hand.

The Bulgarian international striker fired home a volley from close-range in the 69th minute to give United the victory, leaving Middlesbrough deep in relegation trouble just one place above the drop zone in 16th place.

Prior to the goal, United had missed a host of chances as Middlesbrough's defense held firm, but the deadlock was finally broken when Michael Carrick's left-wing cross bounced back off Boro defender David Wheater into Berbatov's path.

Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael, Nemanja Vidic and Ji-sung Park had earlier all squandered chances against a determined Middlesbrough side.

Rooney should have given the hosts the lead when he sprang the offside trap in the 35th minute but inexplicably chose to pass rather than shoot.

Then, two minutes before half-time, defender Chris Riggott produced a superbly-timed block inside the penalty area to deny Berbatov just as he was about to shoot.

After Berbatov's goal, Park produced a contender for miss of the season when he somehow ballooned over the crossbar from just three yards out from substitute Gary Neville's cross.

But, despite not adding to their tally, the three points were United's and their next league game is now against second-placed Chelsea, who are just four points ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.