A controversial, quickly-taken free-kick by David Beckham earned Manchester United a point from a thrilling 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers tonight as the sparks continued to fly in the first week of the premier league. Ryan Giggs lashed a rampant United into a deserved first- half lead but a Beckham own goal and a great shot from former Old Trafford winger Keith Gillespie put Blackburn ahead after 70 minutes.
But after Blackburn defender Craig Short was sent off for his second booking eight minutes later, Beckham saved the champions by floating the subsequent kick over Brad Friedel as the big American keeper was off his line trying to organise the wall.
In the night's other match, Barry Hayles and Louis Saha gave Fulham a 2-0 home win over Sunderland in an action-packed encounter as the London club played their first home game in the top flight for 33 years.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
