10 February,2014 08:49 AM IST | | AFP
Fulham striker Darren Bent scores an injury-time equaliser to draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford as the hosts slip again in the English Premier League
Manchester: Darren Bent snatched an equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time as Manchester United slipped to a 2-2 draw against the Premier League's bottom club Fulham last night.
Dying moments: Fulham striker Darren Bent (centre) heads to scores the equalising goal against Manchester United during their English Premier league match at Old Trafford in Manchester last night. The match ended 2-2 draw. Pic/AFP
Steve Sidwell gave former United coach Rene Meulensteen's side the lead in the 19th minute and the visitors looked like they would cling on for a shock win. The visitors, who had conceded 27 goals in their previous nine league matches, were compact and hard-working, which initially frustrated a United side who were desperately short of inspiration.
With 12 minutes remaining, Robin van Persie tapped in to pull United level and two minute later Michael Carrick's shot looked to have earned them victory.
But deep into added time, Bent headed in from close range to earn the Cottagers a draw.
After falling behind on 13 occasions in the league this season, it was just the fifth time that United have subsequently avoided defeat, but they are now nine points adrift of fourth-place Liverpool.
Meulensteen's side looked much improved and they will take heart from their stubborn performance as they avoided defeat for just the fourth time in 17 league games.
"It's been a bit like that this season," said United manager David Moyes.
"Today was as bad as it gets. We dominated the game. Being one down was bad enough. The amount of attempts, chances and play we had was unbelievable. How we didn't win I have no idea."
