United cruise Tees up another title

THE platitudes from Ryan Giggs must have been somewhat embarrassing for Middlesbrough, who after succumbing meekly to Arsenal and Manchester United in the space of six days can safely consign their reputation as top four assassins to the past.

“It’s always a big test when you come here because we’ve come unstuck quite a few times,’’ Giggs said after ending Boro resistance as early as the 25th minute with a low left footed strike from the edge of the area. “We didn’t feel as though we were in complete control.’’

The view from the stands suggested a starkly different reality, especially when Park Ji-Sung doubled the advantage with an angled left-foot drive soon after the interval.