West Ham 1 Manchester United 1

Last updated : 17 November 2002 By Footymad Previewer

David Beckham has broken ribs but Manchester United have the broken hearts after Jermain Defoe's late, late leveller rescued a gritty point for gutsy West Ham.

"We were worth at least a draw today and the result was thoroughly deserved," insisted Glenn Roeder after seeing Defoe's 86th minute effort wipe out Ruud van Nistelrooy's first-half strike.

"It's a huge step in the right direction. We've had a rotten start and now we want to carry on from here and dig ourselves out of this position." Without a Premiership victory at Upton Park in seven attempts so far this season, West Ham kicked off determined to end their horrendous home hoodoo.

Indeed in the 11th minute Defoe scooped a shot over at the far post and then midway through the first half the young striker was denied an opener by an offside flag after Joe Cole's header crashed back off Fabien Barthez' right-hand upright.

In reply, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer glanced a header across goal, while the lively Ryan Giggs forced David James into a low save.

And then in the 37th minute the wind was totally taken out of the Eastenders' sails when van Nistelrooy survived an offside shout to clip home Solskjaer's cross at the near post to claim his 11th goal of the season.

Both Paul Scholes and Solskjaer went close to doubling the lead after the break, but with West Ham refusing to lie down Defoe was unlucky to see his clever lob tickle the crossbar midway through the half.

Finally with the clock ticking down Defoe had the whole of the East End blowing bubbles when he prodded home from eight yards after Michael Carrick stormed into the heart of the United defence.

"We are very disappointed," said Sir Alex Ferguson after the game as he suggested that the Hammers goal was offside.

"West Ham never gave up. They deserved a point, but I think they should also thank the linesman!"