West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has paid tribute to the quality of Manchester United during their FA Cup clash.
The Hammers led 2-1 at Upton Park, before a stoppage-time goal from United striker Robin van Persie earned his side a 2-2 draw and a third-round replay.
Despite being baffled at the amount of injury time added on at the end of the game, Nolan was full of praise for the Dutch forward and the league leaders.
"I was baffled by the four minutes, but you have to get on with it and see if you can see it through. Unfortunately we could not do it," said Nolan. "Everyone realised it should not have been four minutes. But you will have to ask [referee] Mr Atkinson that, because I am not getting a fine, but it tends to happen, and it is no thing towards big teams.
"Manchester United have done it for years, they have been fantastic and a top team, hats off to them because they go to the final whistle. It is not like we have gifted them a goal, they have brought a pure quality move.
"When you see it in real time, what a touch and a finish, what a ball. That is why they are champions and win trophies year in and year out, because they have got special players who can do special things in an instant."
The replay between the two sides takes place at Old Trafford on Wednesday, January 16.
Matt Cotton
