Sir Alex Ferguson blamed Manchester United's derby day draw on a combination of poor refereeing and a loss of concentration by his players.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's early goal was cancelled out by Manchester City substitute Shaun Goater, who scored late on with his first touch to dent United's title aspirations.

United felt they should have had a penalty when David Beckham was brought down in the area by David Sommeill, but referee Alan Wiley waved away their appeals.

"I have seen the playback and it was a stonewall penalty, no question about it," said Ferguson.

Ferguson believed Beckham deserved a penalty for this foul

"The boy took David down and the referee refusing to give the decision was decisive."

He added: "We could have been two or three up by the time we scored.

"In the first half we played really well but then we started to give the ball away and that carelessness cost us.

"We were shabby in the last third at times but in fairness to City they kept going at us and deserved the point.

"This is a disappointing result for us and I am concerned that we have dropped these two points.

"But these things happen in football and now we must pick ourselves up and go again."

The only person who will make the decision to leave Manchester City is Shaun Goater Kevin Keegan

City boss Kevin Keegan said: "It was a fairytale for Shaun.

"Shaun was released by United as a kid and scored his 100th City goal against them in our win earlier in the season.

"People have asked whether he has a future but his contract doesn't run out until 2004.

"He is loved by the fans and the players and is held in great respect by the staff.

"I have spoken to him and told him he might only get cameo roles in the future but I would be delighted to see him stay with us.

"The only person who will make the decision to leave Manchester City is Shaun Goater."

Watch a round up of the Premiership action from the Weekend