Robin swoops to snatch point for United

West Ham United 2 Manchester United 2

The 20th title will undoubtedly come sooner rather than later — requiring just six points from five games, it’s unthinkable that it won’t — but when it does arrive, it will be accompanied by an unexpected sense of relief after it took a controversial Robin van Persie equaliser to prevent a second defeat in three games.

Champions elect they may be, but Alex Ferguson’s side were offered no favours by a West Ham team with their eyes now set on a top half finish and who appeared set for an impressive victory thanks to Mohamed Diame’s excellent 55th minute before Van Persie levelled 13 minutes from time.