Manchester - The race for the English Premier League title is still up for grabs after leaders Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough in an entertaining match on Sunday.

Two goals from Afonso Alves helped overturn Cristiano Ronaldo's early strike for United but Wayne Rooney levelled for the visitors with 15 minutes to go.

United remain on top, but they are now just three points clear of Chelsea, with Arsenal not out of it, another three points behind in third. Middlesbrough have 35 points, nine clear of the relegation zone.

When Ronaldo, unmarked, side-footed Michael Carrick's cross for the opening goal on 10 minutes it looked like United would cruise to victory.

But Middlesbrough were causing the United defence - in snowy conditions - and after the referee waved play on when Patrice Evra appeared to be fouled - Alves finished off a nice break to level with his first goal for his new club.

Boro had more chances before Alves latched on to a fortunate flick off Aliaidiere's head before bending the ball past Edwin van der Sar to put Boro ahead.

Rooney smashed a volley wide but then made amends when he side- footed Park Ji-Sung's cross, with the help of a deflection.

And the England striker almost won it for United when he got his head on the end of a cross from substitute Owen Hargreaves, but Mark Schwarzer just managed to keep it out.

Right at the death, Middlesbrough almost pinched it themselves but Van der Sar saved brilliantly to deny substitute Tuncay. (dpa)