Ricky Sbraiga's second-string outfit included youngsters with first-team experience such as Chris Eagles, Kieran Richardson and Jonathan Spector. Italian midfielder Rossi, who is receiving rave reviews, also started.

Danny Graham opened the scoring after 5 minutes, taking advantage of the defence's poor positioning to slot past goalkeeper Tom Heaton. 

Eight minutes later, Graham added a second to his goal-tally and Boro's lead with a close range effort.

Giussepe Rossi nearly cancelled Graham's second goal out courtesy of a Kieran Richardson cross. Rossi skimmed the crossbar from 16 yards out with a powerful header.

It was Richardson who set up the first of United's come-back however. The winger's free-kick found defender Paul McShane, who headed home.

Despite a well-taken Malcom Christie strike, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake struck twice to salvage a point for The Red Devils.

Final Score: Middlesbrough Res. 3 - Manchester United Res. 3

United: Heaton; Spector, Tierney (Picken 51), Howard, McShane, Fox, Eagles, Jones, Ebanks-Blake, Rossi, Richardson.