Marvellous Marvin makes it landmark afternoon for Boro

that they were able to see out the game to get their season back on track after two draws and a defeat.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, we didn’t play a great game,” said Solskjaer. “We hung in there. It was the first time this season we’ve had to defend for large periods.

“We want to have the ball and dominate but sometimes you play against teams that give you problems and we rode the game out well.

“If Leicester had won, we’d have been too far behind them for my liking but with a win at least we’re in there and don’t have doubts in our minds over whether we’re doing the right things.”

United began with impressive intensity, taking the game to Leicester, who began the day unbeaten and in third place.

The Red Devils came close to taking the lead in the third minute after Daniel James was bundled over by Ricardo Pereira on the corner of the 18-yard box.

Andreas Pereira stepped up to take the free-kick and whipped in a dangerous, dipping goal-bound effort, which Kasper Schmeichel parried.

The crucial breakthrough for United came in the eighth minute when Rashford won a spot-kick after being brought down by Caglar Soyuncu, as both chased a loose ball in the penalty area.

Ref Martin Atkinson wasted no time in pointing to the spot and Rashord, who missed his last penalty in the 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, dispatched his effort low into the right corner.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers acknowledged Soyuncu was rash in making the clumsy challenge that decided the game.

“It was a soft penalty,” said the Northern Irishman. “Harsh, but I think it was a penalty.

“He’ll learn to have that wee bit of patience when you get really clever players like Marcus.”

The visitors could have drawn level when Ben Chilwell unleashed a dipping 25-yard effort.

But David De Gea, who has agreed a new contract, was able to match the quality of the strike with a sublime one-handed save. MARVIN JOHNSON’S 60th-minute winner ensured Middlesbrough celebrated their 500th league game at the Riverside in style.

The occasion may not have matched the first afternoon back in 1995 when Bryan Robson’s newly promoted side beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Premier League.

But current Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate was not complaining as his men hung on for only his second win since taking charge.

“We deserved that,” he said.

“They piled on the pressure late on but we stood strong and showed that steel that I was looking for.

“We always looked dangerous on the counter and could have scored a couple more.

“That is four unbeaten now which is difficult to do in this league and we go to Cardiff next week with a bit of momentum.”

Boro were indebted to keeper Darren Randolph who pulled off three outstanding saves in the last 10 minutes to keep his goal intact, having earlier thwarted Ovie Ejaria, pushing his effort around the post.

In that frantic finale, the Republic of Ireland international tipped over a John Swift free-kick and performed heroics to keep out headers from Lucas Joao and Liam Moore.

But Reading’s best chance fell to Romanian George Puscas – surprisingly left out of the starting line-up – who somehow blazed over from close range.

Boro too had opportunities after Johnson scored his first league goal for more than two years with an inswinging free-kick from just inside the touchline which flew straight in.

Johnson was also foiled by Rafael Cabral while Brett Assombalonga, who had a 47th-minute goal incorrectly ruled out for offside, headed into the side netting and Lewis Wing also went close.

Despite Boro starting brightly, Reading had edged the opening period with Swift pulling the strings in midfield and Yakou Meite proving a threat in the final third.

Twice he was denied by Randolph while another effort was blocked by Ryan Shotton.

Royals boss Jose Gomes felt aggrieved, not just at the result but at referee Robert Jones’ failure to send off Adam Clayton for an apparent elbow on Maite just before the interval.

“It should have been a red card, no doubt about it,” said Gomes.

“He did not even award a foul, which is strange. We’re frustrated at not coming away with three points.

“If we had drawn, I would not have felt happy because of the football we played.

“If we perform like that, we will be difficult to beat.”