Berb back to business as Man U boost title defense with 1-0 win

LONDON: Dimitar Berbatov scored Monday to give Manchester United a hard fought 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough to boost its title defense.

The Red Devils remain seven points adrift of leader Liverpool, but with two games in hand.

"We are in a good position come the turn of the year," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "We have two games in hand, both at home, and it is going too be a great run in."