Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United were far better than Chelsea and could have easily had four penalties

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United were the better side after securing a three-goal comeback against Chelsea on Sunday and is adamant his team should have been awarded four penalties during the match.

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A Jonny Evans own goal had given Andre Villas-Boas' side a half-time lead at Stamford Bridge, before Juan Mata's stunning volley and David Luiz's header within six minutes of restart handed the hosts a commanding advantage.

United were thrown a lifeline after Daniel Sturridge brought down Patrice Evra in the box to allow Wayne Rooney to score from the spot, while the striker secured his brace through a second penalty after Branislav Ivanovic's challenge on Danny Welbeck.

Javier Hernandez secured a point for United with six minutes of time remaining with a header from Ryan Giggs' cross and Ferguson maintains Howard Webb's decision to award two penalties were correct.

“The two penalties in the second half were justified. I think we could have had four in the game,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports.

“The linesman has given two penalties against as at Old Trafford in the last two years, one against Arsenal and one against Liverpool. 45 yards away and he gave them. I don't blame Howard Webb, I blame the assistant.

“There was a pull on Ashley Young, inside the box, in front of the linesman and he doesn't give it. Yet he gives them at Old Trafford. There was a pull on Ashley's shirt so he's not diving, obviously. I can't understand it, where do they get them from?"

The draw leaves United two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and Ferguson, despite being unhappy with the way his players started the second half, felt his men could have come away with a victory.

“It’s two points dropped,” he continued. “We played so well, apart from the 10 minutes straight after halftime where we got off to a terrible start and lost two goals in five minutes. But, it's not easy to come back from two goals down. That is a massive effort from our players. I thought we were the far better team.

“For Chelsea's second goal we didn't close the cross down. It was a fantastic finish by Mata, a marvellous finish but their first was and third were own goals so that's a bit of bad luck. But it didn't affect the players that much. Once we got over those 10 minutes I thought we played very well.

“It was a massive effort from the team, and a great game. For a neutral watching that game it was fantastic.”

Ferguson concedes his decision to introduce Hernandez alongside Welbeck and Rooney after his side went three behind was risky but believes the Mexican had a strong influence on the game;s outcome.

“We had to gamble. To be honest with you I perhaps should have played Chicharito from the start as when he came on he had the Chelsea defence under pressure with his movement and positional play," he said.

“Danny [Welbeck] was terrific and is going to be a top player but when Chicharito came on in the second half, it was a different game."

Ferguson also praised David de Gea for his performance and maintains the Spaniard has shown plenty of promise following his arrival at Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid.

“The save [by De Gea] from Mata’s free-kick was unbelievable. There were two or three other saves as well," he said.

“He's played his part and I'm pleased as we can see the talent in the boy. In three or four years’ time we are going to see all of that but at the moment he's made one or two mistakes but the introduction has been difficult for him. It's not what he was used to in Spain.

“Today he showed that he is ready to get amongst it. He's done a great job today.”