Manchester United increased their lead at the top of the Premiership despite playing with only ten men for the final 25 minutes.
After losing an unbeaten run that stretched to 11 games Middlesbrough completed a miserable festive programme by slipping nearer to the relegation zone.
The all-important goal came in the 14th minute though there could be some dispute over the scorer, as United will no doubt credit Quinton Fortune, but it looked more like a Danny Mills own goal.
Fortune's shot looked to be heading straight to Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer, struck Mills and was diverted in.
The Red Devils failed to strike their best form but the win before a best of season crowd at the Riverside Stadium is nevertheless a boost to their championship hopes.
Middlesbrough had more than their share of attacking play, especially after Darren Fletcher had been sent off for his second bookable offence.
Boro however, again lacked penetration in the penalty area and manager Steve McClaren will redouble his efforts to try and sign a proven goalscorer in the transfer window.
Middlesbrough boast one of the best defences in top flight but the lack of a top class centre forward is damaging their prospects.
Mills was booked midway through the first half when he swung an arm towards Ryan Giggs. Middlesbrough fans thought the yellow card was harsh but Mills was lucky that he did not connect with the United winger, otherwise a red card would have been inevitable.
Boudewijn Zenden fired over the bar for Middlesbrough while United could have easily increased their lead just before the break.
Giggs waltzed past Ugo Ehiogu, but no one took advantage of his cross.
There was a bad-tempered finish to the first half with two Boro players, George Boateng foul and Juninho both booked for dissent.
Only a brilliant Mark Schwarzer save prevented the visitors increasing their lead in the 55th minute, tipping Paul Scholes' blistering shot onto the crossbar.
Middlesbrough piled on pressure in a bid to take advantage of their extra man but there were no flashes of Brazilian magic from Juninho and Michael Ricketts headed their only real chance wide.