Manchester United finally climbed above sixth place but needed a hand from their former goalkeeper, Victor Valdes.

Jose Mourinho’s side were holding on to a 2-1 lead against Middlesbrough when Antonio Valencia scored a fortuitous third goal for the visitors in injury time.

The right-back’s run down the flank was halted by Fabio who then played the ball back to the keeper with no danger in sight.

Valencia however, chose to chase down the ball to put Valdes under pressure and it paid off. The Spaniard slipped just as he was about to clear the ball, allowing the United defender to score into an empty net.

The goal secured a 3-1 win which moved United out of sixth place after a 133-day run.