United boss curses late lapse

Sir Alex Ferguson was left to curse another late defensive lapse after Manchester United blew a two-goal lead at Everton.

United appeared on course for a first away victory of the season at Goodison Park after taking a 3-1 lead into injury-time.

However, goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta earned Everton a 3-3 draw to leave United reflecting on another two points dropped.

In the Red Devils' opening away game of the season at Fulham last month, a winning position was surrendered late on when Brede Hangeland popped up with a last-gasp equaliser.

And though Ferguson was satisfied with large parts of his team's performance, the United manager rued another late setback.

"Football can do that to you," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "We were in a complete comfort position and we threw it away, it's as simple as that.

"The last two away games have been like that. We lost a goal with three minutes to go against Fulham and it's the same again today.

"We were wasteful with chances, we had the chances to bury Everton and we didn't do it. We missed a lot of good chances.

"Most parts of our game I was pleased with. We played some good football at times."

Ferguson also praised the display of Dimitar Berbatov, who played as a lone striker and scored United's third goal.

He added: "Berbatov was our best player. I thought he was absolutely brilliant today, but it was all wasted because we have given two points away.

"He's a great player. I think that maybe he didn't reach his normal heights last season. He had some difficult moments, but he had some great moments."