MANCHESTER UNITED DRAW WITH SWANSEA

Manchester United will lead the Premier League by four points going into Christmas after a frustrating draw at resolute Swansea.

Patrice Evra's header from a Robin van Persie corner put United in front.

Swansea hit back with Michu tapping in after Jonathan De Guzman's shot had been blocked by keeper David De Gea.

Van Persie looped a shot on to the crossbar and Michael Carrick had a header tipped on to the woodwork but Swansea held on for a point.

United has piled on the pressure late on and Van Persie also had a shot blocked by defender Ashley Williams before Ashley Young's follow-up effort struck Ben Davies in the goalmouth.

Van Persie was also involved in an angry confrontation with Williams after the Swansea centre-back booted a clearance into the back of the Dutch striker's head after the whistle had gone for a free-kick.

Despite the late rally, United could not find a way through a stubborn Swansea side and, having led the top flight by six points heading into the weekend, the Old Trafford team's advantage has been cut by two, with second-placed Manchester City beating Reading on Saturday.

United have kept only four clean sheets this season and have conceded 25 goals and, while their attacking exploits have regularly rescued them, it was not to be this time around.

It had started in promising fashion for the Red Devils as they forced Swansea keeper Michel Vorm, who was back after 10 games out with a groin injury, into two smart saves.

Vorm fended away a long range strike by Wayne Rooney before palming a Young shot wide after Michael Carrick's defence-splitting pass.

From the resulting corner, Evra glanced in a header off the post, despite Leon Britton standing next to the upright.

However, United's defensive frailties were exposed again as Swansea equalised.

Wayne Routledge slipped a clever pass through to De Guzman and, although his shot was blocked by keeper De Gea, Michu put away the loose ball for his 13th league goal of the campaign.

United were aggrieved about a challenge on Van Persie by Chico at the start of the move, although the hosts still had plenty to do and the visitors' defending left a lot to be desired.

Centre-back Nemanja Vidic was making his first start for the visitors after three months out with a knee injury but there was still an air of vulnerability about United at the back.

The goal gave Swansea renewed vigour and De Guzman had an acute-angled shot saved by De Gea.

An entertaining and even game was producing chances at both ends and a lacklustre Rooney might have hoped to have done better when he shot straight at Vorm from Evra's cut back.

Swansea responded with Kemy Agustien having a well-struck long range shot saved before Routledge's low, angled strike was palmed wide.

United smothered Swansea in the final quarter of the match and, even though Van Persie and Young went close, the hosts stood firm to avoid a third league loss on the trot.