Manchester United were frustrated in their bid to secure second place in the Premier League and automatic entry into the Champions League when they were held 0-0 at home by Middlesbrough tonight.

Victory would have confirmed United as runners-up to Chelsea, who captured a second successive title with a 3-0 rout against them at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy had a second-half penalty saved as UEFA Cup finalists Boro held on for a point.

United go into the final round of fixtures with 80 points, one more than third-placed Liverpool. They host Charlton Athletic on Sunday while Liverpool travel to Portsmouth.

At the Hawthorns a 42nd minute Nigel Reo-Coker goal secured victory for West Ham over West Brom, as Alan Pardew's side continued their impressive run ahead of the FA Cup final meeting with Liverpool.