Manchester United threw victory away - Sir Alex Ferguson

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United "threw away" victory, after Everton score twice in the last ten minutes for a 4-4 draw.

The Scot blames "poor defending" for the "soft" goals conceded, contrasting with the "magnificent" attacking football that saw them ahead.

Nikica Jelavic opened the scoring before Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Nani goals put United 3-1 ahead. Marouane Fellaini volleyed a second Everton goal before Rooney appeared to make the points safe. However, late goals from Jelavic and Steven Pienaar gave the Blues a draw.

Manchester City's win at Wolves cut United's lead to three points ahead of their 30 April derby, which Ferguson describes as "the most important" in his time as United boss.