#4 Boro fall deeper into the relegation zone
Middlesbrough had failed to win any of their last 11 matches in the Premier League coming into the match. With Aitor Karanka’s sacking last week, there were expectations that Steve Agnew might do a ‘Shakespeare’ and bring the team back on winning terms.
However, a subdued first half saw United take the lead and then double it after the half-time. Gestede’s goal did see the Boro faithful hope that there is a way back in the match. But an error at the back from Valdes saw Valencia easily slot the ball in the back of the net to officially end any chances of a Boro comeback.
This defeat leaves them with 22 points in 28 matches, five less than Swansea who sit at the 17th position. Their next couple of fixtures, against Swansea and Hull City respectively will more or less decide their fate.
