Yorke scores for Birmingham

LONDON: Wayne Rooney’s Premier League debut for Manchester United turned sour as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Middlesbrough at Old Trafford yesterday. Rooney, who scored a hat-trick in the 6-2 Champions League rout of Fenerbahce on Tuesday, was a peripheral figure for much of the match and picked up a yellow card for a rash tackle on George Boateng. Boro’s youthful side survived early pressure and took a deserved lead in the 32nd minute when Stewart Downing converted a cross from the impressive James Morrison.

Ten minutes from time United finally broke through when striker Alan Smith, who had just come on as a substitute for John O’Shea, headed Cristiano Ronaldo’s inviting cross beyond Mark Schwarzer for his fifth goal of the season. The draw moved Manchester United up to fourth, nine points behind leaders Arsenal. Newcastle United also lost ground on the leaders when they could only manage a 2-2 draw at Birmingham City. Newcastle made a flying start when Jermaine Jenas scored after two minutes.

Birmigham replied through Dwight Yorke 20 minutes later, however, and took the lead after 57 minutes when defender Matthew Upson headed in Robbie Savage’s cross. Graeme Souness’ side earned a point thanks to Nicky Butt’s 67th-minute equaliser. Second-placed Chelsea defeated Liverpool 1-0 at home, courtesy of a strike from Joe Cole in the 64th minute, in yesterday’s third Premier League match.