It wasn't one of their best displays of the season, but United did just enough to come from behind and beat a Middlesbrough side who looked tricky opponents before going down to ten men in the second half.
United ought to have been in front in the third minute when a fine move was finished off by Joe Rothwell: inexplicably, the linesman flagged for offside and the goal was ruled out even though the Reds midfielder was clearly a good yard or two onside. After that, although Rothwell went close with an ambitious volley and Andreas Pereira drew a fine save from Fryer, United found a well-organised Borough side difficult to break down.
It was Middlesbrough who started the second half strongest and Joel Pereira had already seen a lot of action when Cooke pounced to score after following up on a parry from the Reds keeper.
United rarely looked like getting back on terms until their first penetrative move of the half brought a result in the seventieth minute. Weir (above) was brought down by Burn when through on goal and the referee pointed to the penalty spot and showed the Borough player a red card. Pereira wasn't in a mood to look a gift horse in the mouth and he duly rifled home from the spot to bring the Reds level.
United began to make the extra man count and, when Rothwell's slide rule pass found Weir on the left, his teasing cross was turned into his own net by McGinlay.
With Sunderland losing 1-0 to Leicester, this win could prove crucial in determining the destination of the Under 21 Premier League title. United now stand two points clear with a game in hand.
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