FERGUSON OFFERS PEACE TO BORO

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has offered the hand of friendship to Middlesbrough ahead of their meeting at Old Trafford on Monday.

He wants to put to bed the bad feeling that has simmered between them the past two years.

"We hope the Christmas spirit has lingered on long enough to help heal the rift that had developed between the two clubs," he said.

The rift began in December 2006 when Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate accused Cristiano Ronaldo of cheating after he won a penalty in United's 2-1 victory in the league.

Three months later tempers flared again in an FA Cup sixth round replay at Old Trafford with Ronaldo again the centre of controversy.

The Portugal winger went to ground late on and scored from the spot to ease his side through.

Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison was so incensed he was given a straight red card for a challenge on Ronaldo - and Southgate appeared to condone his player's behaviour.

Then last September the simmering tensions between the two clubs flared up again during a Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford.

Rodrigo Possebon was carried off with a deep gash on his leg after being clattered by defender Emmanuel Pogatetz - the Austrian later apologised.

Ferguson was angered after the victory not just with Pogatetz's lunge but also the way the Middlesbrough bench reacted as if the player was feigning injury.

Now the veteran Scot wants to build bridges with the Teessiders and stated in his programme notes: "Over the years we have had some contentious games, culminating earlier in the season with the Carling Cup tie.

"A terrible tackle put Rodrigo Possebon out of the game but could easily have broken his leg.

"I lost my temper at the time but hopefully that challenge has served to bring both clubs to their senses.

"I feel the healing process started when their manager and his coach apologised for the tackle and things said in the heat of the moment.

"I think we understand better now that we are involved in games of football and not a war.

"I am sure we can build a better relationship. I certainly hope so because we have had some momentous games against Middlesbrough, matches that have helped decide titles.

"Those games also generate a great atmosphere and we always take a big crowd to the Riverside."

Ferguson was critical of Southgate's appointment as the England defender did not have the correct badges.

However it appears the Scot is warming to his managerial counterpart.

Ferguson added: "I certainly admire the work of Gareth Southgate, a young manager who made the bold and brave decision to change the shape of his team, moving on older players to make way for a fresh, young squad.

"Managing change is one of the most difficult aspects of our job and I cannot help but admire his ambition and conviction.

"He has pursued a policy that has altered the face of the team, without conceding too much ground in the league."

Meanwhile Rio Ferdinand will sit out the match after suffering a back spasm before the side claimed a narrow victory at Stoke.

Patrice Evra is again ruled out through suspension while Dimitar Berbatov is pushing for a recall to the team after making an impact when he stepped off the bench on Boxing Day.