LONDON, May 2: Manchester United were frustrated in their bid to secure second place in the Premier League and automatic entry into the Champions League when they were held 0-0 at home by Middlesbrough on Monday. Victory would have confirmed United as runners-up to Chelsea, who captured a second successive title with a 3-0 rout against them at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Striker Ruud van Nistelrooy had a second-half penalty saved by deputy goalkeeper Brad Jones as UEFA Cup finalists Boro held on for a point.

United go into the final round of fixtures with 80 points, one more than third-placed Liverpool. They host Charlton Athletic on Sunday while Liverpool travel to Portsmouth.

Three first-half goals gave Arsenal a 3-0 victory over relegated Sunderland -- Thierry Henry setting up two and scoring one to keep the Gunners in the hunt for fourth place.

The Champions League finalists can close the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur to one point if they win their game in hand at Manchester City on Thursday.

West Bromwich Albion, who were relegated on Saturday without playing, lost 1-0 at home to West Ham United.—Agencies