Tottenham 1 Man United 1

Sir Alex Ferguson could not hide his disappointment after seeing his Manchester United side be pegged back by Tottenham at the death at White Hart Lane.

United took the lead in the 25th minute in a snowy north London when Robin van Persie nodded home his 18th Premier League goal of the season.

But Andre Villas-Boas’ Spurs, who were surprise 3-2 winners at Old Trafford earlier in the season, battled hard and snatched a draw in the 92nd minute when Clint Dempsey scrambled the ball over the line.

Ferguson, whose side’s lead at the top of the table has been cut to five points, was pleased with United’s overall display but rued their inability to kill the game off.

“We did so well at everything and we kept heading it out, the disappointment is not finishing them off,” the Manchester United manager told BBC Sport.

“We had a lot of opportunities on the counter attack but our final ball let us down.

“Tottenham were very committed and aggressive. I think they have a decent squad and a good team.

“If you look at our away programme we have been to Everton, been to Liverpool, been to Manchester City, been to Tottenham… We have been to all the top teams away from home.”

Ferguson also felt that United were denied a “clear penalty” after Wayne Rooney looked to have been caught by Steven Caulker in the box in the second half.

“It was a clear penalty-kick on Wayne Rooney but in no way was the the linesman going to give that,” said Ferguson.

“He gave them everything else. We have not had a good record with this linesman, against Chelsea a few years ago he gave onside to Didier Drogba who was three yards offside. You remember those things.”