Manchester United failed to close the gap on the top two in the Barclays Premier League after a draw at Stoke.

On a day when the Potters proved to be an awkward opponent especially from set pieces, Ryan Shawcross put Stoke in front when he turned Peter Crouch's header into the net.

But Man United equalised from a set piece of their own when Falcao finished Wayne Rooney's corner following a flick on from Michael Carrick.

Stoke came close in the second half when Crouch's header struck the post but United held on for another draw away from home.