Match Analysis: Swansea City 1-1 Manchester United

Swansea City held Manchester United to their first draw in 20 league matches at the Liberty Stadium this afternoon.

United took advantage of a dominant start by taking the lead through Patrice Evra but the hosts responded well and were level on the half-hour mark when Michu notched his 13th in the league this season from close range.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men spent much of the second period in the Swans' half but they were unable to break them down.

Here, Sports Mole pores over an entertaining 90 minutes in south Wales.

Match statistics:

Swansea: Shots 14 On target 10 Possession 46% Corners 3 Fouls 11

United: Shots 19 On target 16 Possession 54% Corners 6 Fouls 16

Was the result fair?

Tough to say as Swansea just about edged the opening period but United were far better in the second. Over the course of the 90 minutes, however, the visitors deserved three points more than their opponents as they squandered regular openings in the second 45.

Swansea's performance

After a sluggish start, Michael Laudrup's men responded after going behind on the quarter-hour mark and deservedly equalised through the division's now-top scorer Michu. The hosts failed to impact the second half in quite the same way and will be delighted with a Christmas point.

United's performance

A bright opening resulted in a simple headed goal for Evra and the Red Devils came into their own in the second half. Much of the good forward play came from Robin van Persie, who was having to do all the creative work as strike partner Wayne Rooney had a real off day. Sir Alex Ferguson's men won't be anywhere near as pleased as their opponents with a point but it means they have a healthy four-point lead over Manchester rivals City at Christmas.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Michael Carrick: United's number 16 put in a classy performance in the middle of midfield. Bullish at the back and imaginative with his passing, the Englishman almost won the match for United when his header from Van Persie's corner rattled the crossbar.

Biggest gaffe

Surprisingly few gaffes to speak of but this award goes to David de Gea for palming Jonathan de Guzman's shot straight into the path of Michu to slot home for the leveller.

Referee performance

Michael Oliver kept a strong grip on the match and did well to defuse a situation where Van Persie reacted angrily to Ashley Williams lashing the ball against his head, rightly booking both men for the fisticuffs.

What next?

Swansea: The Swans will look to get back to winning ways when they go to rock-bottom Reading on Boxing Day.

United: United return to Old Trafford to welcome Newcastle on the same day.