WE take a look at how the papers viewed Boro's enthralling 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Telegraph: Manchester United's relationship with Middlesbrough shows that in ten of their last 17 meetings, United have failed to force victory.

If a manager's ability lies in changing the course of a game when it is slipping away, then Gareth Southgate fully deserves Arsene Wenger's accolades as one of England's brightest.

Guardian: Sir Alex Ferguson's side had to cope with an additional attacking blizzard from an exhilaratingly high-tempo Middlesbrough whose Brazilian striker Afonso Alves scored his first two goals in English football.

Sun: Gareth Southgate hailed his side as Boro pegged back the big boys again having taken four points off Arsenal this season and yesterday they put the brakes on United's title challenge as Afonso Alves got off the mark on Teesside.

Journal: Gareth Southgate is predicting Afonso Alves will get better after seeing the South American grab his first goals for the club with a classy brace against leaders Manchester United, "I still think it's a settling-in period for him, but he was fantastic."

Independent: Alex Ferguson admitted his side "could have lost" knowing that Boro are better than most against the top four as Southgate spoke of his satisfaction towards his team, "I'm really proud as we had them rattled."

Daily Star: Seven days after missing three chances at Stamford Bridge which saw Chelsea scrape an ill-deserved win over Boro, the Brazilian came good with a stunning double to give Ferguson's table-toppers a mighty scare at a wintry Riverside.

The Times: Middlesbrough's opening goal was the first United had conceded for eight hours and 16 minutes stretching back to February 23.

Express: Ferguson received a jolt against Middlesbrough, but it could have been much worse against a side who have taken 30 points from the 'Big Four' over the last four seasons.

Mirror: After Afonso Alves opened his account yesterday with two assured finishes to justify his record-breaking move, at least Boro can look forward to a positive end to an otherwise frustrating campaign.

Northern Echo: Both sides could have claimed a late winner - Schwarzer saving Rooney's glanced header and Van Der Sar smothering Tuncay's shot after the Turkish substitute broke into the area after a sublime turn.

Mail: Manchester United threw everything at Boro in a desperate attempt to clinch the winner but encountered stubborn defending in a pulsating finale.

Man of the Match:

Guardian: Afonso Alves
Sun: Afonso Alves
Independent: George Boateng
Star: Afonso Alves
Express: Luke Young, Stewart Downing, George Boateng and Afonso Alves all rated equal.
Mirror: Afonso Alves
Northern Echo: George Boateng
Mail: Wayne Rooney
Official Website: Afonso Alves