Birmingham 1-1 Manchester United
Fletcher was sent off late in the second half for a foul on Cameron Jerome
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Saturday, 09, Jan 2010 07:18
By Matt Hallam.
Darren Fletcher was sent off as Manchester United came from behind to secure a point against Birmingham.
United dominated much of the first-half but found themselves behind at half-time after Cameron Jerome's goal from close range.
Birmingham threatened to double their lead through Christian Benitez in the second-half, however, Sir Alex Ferguson's side forced an equaliser with Scott Dann deflecting Patrice Evra's cross into his own net.
United looked the more threatening as the final whistle approached however, they struggled to break down Birmingham's stubborn defence, with Fletcher's frustration getting the better of him as he was sent off for a second bookable offence in the closing stages.
The result - Birmingham's twelfth game unbeaten in the Premier League - sees them move level on points with Liverpool in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's stuttering start to 2010 continues as they missed the chance to go top with Chelsea's game postponed and Arsenal drawing with Everton earlier in the day.
United put their hosts under pressure early on with Antonio Valencia capitalising on a mistake by Liam Ridgewell and picking out Fletcher on the edge of the box, whose shot was deflected wide off Barry Ferguson.
Birmingham soon settled though with Jerome holding the ball up well, allowing his side to enjoy some possession.
United continued to show their attacking intent but they failed to test Joe Hart in the Birmingham goal with Paul Scholes hitting a shot from distance that was deflected wide.
Rooney was the first to test the Birmingham keeper after 20 minutes when he was picked out by Valencia and forced a good save from Hart with a low shot from the angle on the right.
Michael Carrick and Rafael both had shots blocked as United piled the pressure on Birmingham's defence, however it was the hosts that took the lead against the run of play before half time.
United failed to clear James McFadden's corner and when Lee Bowyer headed the ball back into the penalty area it fell to Jerome who fired the ball past Tomasz Kuszczak from six yards.
Ferguson's side emerged early for the second-half but made a poor start, giving the ball away on numerous occasions and conceding an early corner from which Benitez hit a snap shot that was saved by Kuszczak.
United struggled to dominate possession as they had in the first-half with Birmingham's work rate restricting time and space for Carrick and Scholes in midfield, whilst Benitez was making Johnny Evans look increasingly uncomfortable at the back.
An own goal from Dann put the visitors level after the hour mark though with Scholes having a shot blocked before Evra's low cross was diverted past Hart by his own defender with Rooney lurking in an offside position.
Referee Mark Clattenburg spoke to his linesman but the goal was awarded, with Rooney judged to be not interfering in play.
Benitez almost put his side back into the lead soon after with a neat turn to escape Evans, however his shot was blocked by Wes Brown.
Ferguson introduced Mame Biram Diouf - United's new striker signed from Norweigan club FC Molde for the final ten minutes as they looked to score the winner, however, they were soon reduced to ten men when Fletcher was shown a second yellow card for a cynical trip on Jerome.
Six minutes of added time were played, but neither team could find a winning goal with Birmingham securing their twelfth game unbeaten.