Swansea 1 Man United 1: Van Persie is lucky to be alive, says Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Robin van Persie is “lucky to be alive” after the Dutch striker clashed with Ashley Williams as Manchester United were held to a draw by Swansea City.

Patrice Evra gave the Red Devils a 29th-minute lead when he nodded Van Persie’s corner past Michel Vorm before Michu restored parity with a close-range finish.

United struggled to test the Swans in the second half as Wayne Rooney and the Netherlands international were left frustrated by a strong Swansea rearguard.

The match finished on a sour note when Williams kicked the ball against Van Persie’s head with the referee already bringing the action to a halt for a foul on the striker.

Both players were booked for the clash but Ferguson called on the Football Association to impose a lengthy ban on the Swansea captain for the incident.

“Robin van Persie is lucky to be alive,” Ferguson told BBC Sport.

“It was a disgraceful act from their player today and he should be banned by the FA. Robin could have had a broken neck.”

He added: “We absolutely battered them and we are very unlucky. It really should have been a foul for us in the build-up to their goal. It was just one of those games, he is a young referee, but really, what a performance.

“It should have been six point gap today and that is the disappointment. Vidic did not have much to do but what he did do he did well.”