Missed chances concern Fergie

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said it was a "big concern" after his side missed a whole host of chances in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Monday.

United dominated at Old Trafford but could not score until Dimitar Berbatov finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute after Michael Carrick's left-wing cross had bounced back off Boro defender David Wheater

The match statistics showed United had 25 chances and their failure to convert more into goals is a worry for Ferguson, who also saw his team win by the same margin at Stoke on Boxing Day.

"We missed a lot of chances and that is the big concern," he said.

"If we can't take those chances we will suffer from it.

"But I think you have to see how well Middlesbrough played tonight. For a team in their position (one place above the relegation zone) it belies their ability."

Ferguson praised goal-scorer Berbatov, who replaced Boxing Day's match-winner Carlos Tevez after he returned to Argentina on a "family issue".

"He is a marvellous player and I thought he was absolutely superb for us. He took his goal well," said the United boss.

The win secured a vital three points for the champions who go into the New Year seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with two matches in hand.

Ferguson believes his side are well placed to push again for the title.

"We are in a good position come the turn of the year. We have two games in hand, both at home, and it is going to be a great run in," he said.

"The important thing is to do our own job, look after ourselves and we'll do okay."