The champions took the lead in the match through Darren
Ferguson, however they were pegged back in the second half when a
Marouane Fellaini header equalised for the home side.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Ferguson slammed
referee Alan Wiley for not penalising Everton’s physical approach
but also admitted he felt his side still should have won the
match. The Scot explained: "I don't think the
referee protected our players enough. In saying that we've only
ourselves to blame (for not winning).”
The United manager also revealed he expected more protection for
his players from the referee and also confessed
that he viewed the result very much as two
points lost. He said: “I just didn't think he gave our players
enough protection. I may be churlish in that in the sense that
we've dropped two points. The referee has to make sure the product
is good.”
The Old Trafford boss was forced to substitute Wayne
Rooney in the second half after the striker was cautioned
and then appeared to provoke the home fans by kissing the United
badge.
Ferguson admitted he had replaced his forward because he was
fearful the England striker might have been dismissed. He
concluded: “The way the referee was behaving I feared he may be
sent off, for no reason of course. Just the way the crowd were
reacting in getting him booked.”
The result leaves United in fifth place, five points behind
leaders Chelsea. Everton meanwhile are back in thirteenth place
with nine points.