MIDDLESBROUGH (England), April 6: Manchester United’s lead at the top of the English Premier League was down to just three points with five matches of the season remaining after they battled back for a 2-2 draw away to Middlesbrough at a snow-covered Riverside Stadium here on Saturday.

When Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead with his 37th goal of a remarkable season in the 10th minute, it looked as if it would be business as usual for the English champions.

But Brazil forward Afonso Alves scored his first two goals for Middlesbrough either side of half-time to give the north-east side the lead.

However, England striker Wayne Rooney rescued a point for United, who started the weekend five points clear at the top, 16 minutes from time with his 17th goal of the campaign.

The draw left Sir Alex Ferguson’s side three points ahead of Chelsea, 2-0 winners away to Manchester City on Saturday, and six in front of third-placed Arsenal, who they play a week on Sunday.—AFP