This narrow win was enough for United's Under 21s to take a giant stride towards retaining their title. With Sunderland losing their final game of the campaign at Spurs on the same night, the Reds need to pick up only two points from their remaining three matches.
United dominated possession but found Middlesbrough stubborn opponents. Despite a strong side that included Wayne Rooney making his comeback from injury, the best the Reds could manage in the first half was a shot from James Weir that goalkeeper Fryer did well to to parry.
Weir, so often the man this season to make the difference in tight games, was forced off at half-time through injury. Rooney followed him on the hour, making way for the highly promising Axel Tuanzebe, making his own comeback from injury after three months on the sidelines.
The reshuffle these changes necessitated seemed to make a difference as Pereira, himself coming on for the injured Joe Rothwell, found space on the right to deliver a cross that was controlled and smashed into the net by Paddy McNair.
Although Boro showed more adventure in the later stages, it was a deserved victory for the Reds who finish the campaign unbeaten at home. They now face the final three away fixtures knowing that victory at Spurs next Monday will bring a third league title in four years while even a draw with leave the Reds top with a 6+ goal difference going into the final two games.
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