Rafael is sent off but United still unbeaten

BRAZILIAN full-back Rafael was sent off but ten-man Manchester United still kept their unbeaten record as they went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League on goal difference after a frantic encounter at White Hart Lane.

Wayne Rooney brought a couple of smart saves from Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes and Rafael van der Vaart also went close on two occasions for Tottenham.

But in the end the two sides cancelled each other out in a game which proved the title race is going to be tight right until the end.

The draw sees Tottenham, who have not beaten United since May 2001 in a run which now stretches 24 matches, stay fifth a point behind Chelsea and outside the Champions League places after a game which was long on effort and passion but short on quality.

The most explosive incident was the once concerning Rafael who was shown a yellow card for a foul on fullback Benoit Assou-Ekotto after having earlier been booked for a challenge on Wilson Palacios.

The young Brazilian raged at referee Mike Dean and kicked over a television sound boom as he left the pitch and the FA are likely to want to review the video. Rooney was also booked for his protests.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to comment on Rafael’s red card. “I don’t need to discuss that, you can see for yourself,”

he said. ‘‘I don’t need to discuss the referee.’’ Ferguson added: ‘‘It could be a really thrilling end to the season. Tottenham are not out of it. It’s about winning games and keeping your nerve and today, defensively, we kept our nerve.”

The game was Ryan Giggs’ 600th league appearance for the club and Ferguson said of the veteran Welshman: “He’s an incredible human being and an example to anyone that wants to use him as a role model.”

United had their moments but in that first half the attacking impetus came from Tottenham and especially Gareth Bale who was beginning to give Rafael a torrid time down the left.

It was a match with lots of attacking endeavour from both sides but no one seemed capable of creating the breakthrough.

It needed someone like David Beckham, up in the stands and who has been training with Tottenham this past week, to put his foot on the ball and bring a measure of control to the game.