Boss: We Threw It Away

Sir Alex Ferguson made no attempt to dress up United's concession of two points at Goodison Park, admitting that the Reds had self-destructed when it mattered most.

United were 3-1 up and coasting as the game entered injury-time, only for Everton to snatch a point through goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.

"From a completely comfortable position we've thrown it away, simple as that," Sir Alex told Sky Sports. "Our last two away games have been like that. We lost a goal with two minutes to go against Fulham, and it's the same again today.

"We were wasteful, we had chances to bury Everton but we didn't do it. We missed a lot of good chances. For the most part of the game I'm pleased with the performance. We played some good football at times - I can't dispute that part, but we've just thrown it away, simple as that."

The United manager did single out goalscorer Berbatov for special praise, but admitted the Bulgarian's display may be forgotten amid the fallout from the game's climax.

"Berbatov was our best player, I thought he was absolutely brilliant at times, but it's all wasted because we've given the two points away," he said.

"He's a great player. Maybe he didn't reach his normal heights last season; he had some difficult moments but he also had some great moments, and today again he had some great moments."

Sir Alex went on to confirm that Rio Ferdinand should start United's next match; a mouth-watering Champions League clash with Rangers.