A Ruud Van Nistelrooy penalty fired Manchester United to a drab 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough yesterday while there was a blow for England when captain David Beckham was ruled out of Saturday’s game against Portugal with a calf muscle injury. After Boro had dealt well with United’s early threats, Van Nistelrooy fired the reds ahead with a 27th minute penalty. Ugo Ehiogu was judged by referee Mike Riley to have pulled the Dutchman back and Van Nistelrooy powered the spot kick past Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. Ryan Giggs wasted a great chance from close range after Paul Scholes has opened up the Middlesbrough defense early in the second half.
