Swansea 1-1 Man Utd: Match Report & Player Ratings

Manchester United's lead at the top of the Barclay's Premier League has been cut by two points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resolute Swansea side at the Liberty Stadium. The visitors went into this game knowing City were just four points adrift following their last minute win yesterday, and that's the way things stay tonight as United failed to replicate their rivals last gasp goal. Patrice Evra first put United in front after he nodded home a Robin van Persie corner, but the hosts pegged them back before half time as Michu tapped in after Jonathan De Guzman's initial shot was only parried by keeper David de Gea. United then twice hit the woodwork as they went in search of a winner, first van Persie's deft shot flicked onto the bar before Michael Carrick was also denied with a header. There were then screams for handball as van Persie and Ashley Young had shots blocked off the line as the game entered a frenetic final ten minutes. Van Persie was incensed when Ashley Williams tried to clear a loose ball, but kicked it into the back of the Dutchman's head instead. The former Arsenal man squared up to the defender and was clearly livid as players from both teams piled in to try and defuse the situation. Both players were eventually booked though van Persie could easily have seen red for his reaction. United huffed and puffed and in spite of Hernandez joining the fray as a third striker, they struggled to break Swansea's resolve. Wayne Rooney put in a lackluster display and was guilty of wasting a number of decent opportunities, particularly after being set up with time and space in the penalty area by Evra, before shooting tamely at Vorm. He was eventually hauled off for Ryan Giggs after joining van Persie in the referee's notebook. Paul Scholes later joined the action as United pressed forward but his only contribution to proceedings was to pick up a yellow card after five minutes for a trademark ill-timed challenge. Even though United had their opportunities to earn the three points, Swansea deserved a share of the spoils and held on to avoid what would have been a third league defeat in a row. Click "Next" for Player Ratings