Now Rio is crocked as Alves cuts United's lead to three points

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Two dropped points mean they are only three ahead of Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League — and they still have to go to Stamford Bridge.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who blamed "haphazard defending" in the absence of the injured Nemanja Vidic, faces the prospect of neither of his first-choice centre backs being fit for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Roma and Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.

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Boy from Brazil: Alves celebrates his second

Ferguson said: "We have a few bumps and bruises, but hopefully it is not too serious with Rio. He was limping for too long and the danger was that if he carried on, he would not give us his full performance level."

Middlesbrough record signing Afonso Alves scored his first goal in English football to cancel out Cristiano Ronaldo's 27th League goal of the season and the Brazilian then gave Gareth Southgate's side a shock second-half lead.

But the £12million striker was denied a win in front of Boro's largest crowd of the season of nearly 34,000 when Wayne Rooney scored his 17th goal of the season 16 minutes from time.

United, who were denied a clear first-half penalty, arguably had the better chances but Ferguson was content with a draw.

He said: "We could have lost the game and they had some chances. At times our defending was a bit haphazard, but we could have won the game because the quality of our football was terrific.

"I thought it was a fantastic game and both teams deserve great credit for producing a game like that at this time of year. The nature of this club is we never give in and that's a great quality to have at this time. That sends out a signal to other players and fans that we won't give up. We will stretch ourselves in every game. This could prove to be a vital point."

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Rio Ferdinand: New defensive injury concern for United

Southgate shrugged off a heated touchline debate with Ferguson, saying: "We were discussing different things involving the referee but it is important I don't stand down in those situations."

He added: "I thought we had them rattled. Not enough teams ask questions of the top four, but we do."

Alves said: "I knew the goals would come. But I would have had a lot more to smile about if we had won."