Ref Robs Reds

The Reds were denied 3 points by what seemed to be a refereeing error, as ten-man Newcastle held on to claim a dramatic point at Old Trafford.

United took a deserved lead early on in the second half, when Wayne Rooney's shot deflected off Javier Hernandez to break the deadlock, after a lacklustre first half display. The Reds thought they had it in the bag having taken the lead, but didn't capitalise on a couple of decent chances to increase the lead.

They were then made to pay for those missed opportunities, as Newcastle were awarded a controversial penalty. Hatem Ben Arfa was challenged by Rio Ferdinand, who seemingly won the ball as cleanly as can be, but after discussion with his linesman, referee Mike Jones gave the spot kick. Demba Ba calmly converted from 12 yards, to level the scoring.

However, United reacted quickly, and had complete domination for the last 15 or 20 minutes, creating multiple clear-cut chances, but just couldn't put them away. Hernandez, Young, Rooney, Macheda, Fabio, Vidic, Giggs, all spurned openings, as the Reds just couldn't claim a winner. Even after Jonas Gutierrez's sending off, and Fergie's side creating 8 or 9 unbelievable chances, United couldn't get through Newcastle's sensational defence. Tim Krul stood firm with a man of the match performance, and centre halves Stephen Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini were rocks.

The Geordies also had opportunities, with David de Gea producing an outstanding stop just prior to the penalty, and was tested on numerous occasions, especially in the first half.

The ex-Reds Danny Simpson and Gabriel Obertan starred, with Obertan fading after a promising start, and Simpson keeping Young reasonably quiet, with the right back also clearing off the line late on to prevent Hernandez a winner. But despite the considerable efforts of the Newcastle backline, United thought they'd finally broke their resistance, when Hernandez tapped home from 2 yards, only to be correctly judged offside. The final whistle blew with United in dis-belief, having squandered so many openings, with Newcastle leaving the Theatre of dreams with a defiant point, with Sir Alex fuming.

United will now hope that Liverpool can force Manchester City to drop points, as the Reds' slip up leaves them 4 points adrift having played a game more.

United Team

De Gea, 7, Evra, 5 (Macheda), Ferdinand, 6, Vidic, 7, Fabio, 7 (Smalling), Giggs, 7, Carrick, 8, Nani, 6, Young, 5, Rooney, 7, Hernandez, 7.

RDI's Man of the Match

Michael Carrick - Kept the champions ticking over with minimal fuss against his hometown club. Maintained possession and slowed the pace down when Newcastle looked threatening on the counter-attack. A classy, understated showing.

RDI's Flop of the Match

Patrice Evra - Had another unconvincing performance against the pace of Gabriel Obertan, and almost let the winger in early on after mis-judging a diving header.