Ferguson angry over denied penalty against Spurs

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson accused assistant referee Simon Beck of denying Wayne Rooney a clear penalty as Spurs came from behind to snatch a draw at White Hart Lane.

Ferguson singled out Beck for criticism after Clint Dempsey's late goal prevented United restoring their seven-point lead over Manchester City.

It is not the first time Ferguson has had a high-profile disagreement with Beck. In 2010 the United manager was furious when Beck allowed Didier Drogba to score from an offside position as Chelsea won at Old Trafford to take control of the title race.

On this occasion, Rooney went down after a challenge by Spurs defender Steven Caulker midway through the second half and Ferguson was angry Beck did not flag for a foul.

United goalkeeper David de Gea impressed throughout for United but his failure to punch Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross clear in stoppage time presented Spurs with a final opportunity to claim a point.

"Rafael was fouled first of all when Dempsey played it back to Ekotto," said Ferguson.