Manchester United staged a stirring fightback from three goals down to earn a point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Sir Alex Ferguson's champions are without a Premier League win at Chelsea in a decade - and they looked condemned to another defeat as Chelsea took total control early in the second half.

Jonny Evans's own goal gave Chelsea an interval lead against the run of play before a stunning volley from Juan Mata 24 seconds after the restart and David Luiz's deflected header appeared to give Chelsea an unassailable advantage.

United's hopes were then revived by two penalties awarded by referee Howard Webb - both converted by Wayne Rooney - before substitute Javier Hernandez's header six minutes from time gave them a point that was greeted in the manner of a victory by their travelling support.

Even then, United were indebted to much-maligned goalkeeper David de Gea for a magnificent save from Mata in the dying moments and another less spectacular - but equally important - fingertip stop from Chelsea debutant Gary Cahill.

The draw leaves United two points behind leaders Manchester City and this may ultimately be viewed as two points lost, but the point they gained could equally be taken as a bonus given Chelsea's three-goal lead.

It was also an indication that while United may not possess the all-round quality of old, they do have the persistence and experience to hound neighbours City all the way to the finishing line.

For Chelsea and manager Andre Villas-Boas, however, this was the opportunity to take a firmer grip on a place in the top four squandered as they looked defensively fragile without deposed England captain John Terry, who was out injured, and suspended Ashley Cole.

Terry's removal as England captain provided a sub-plot to the action as Rio Ferdinand was booed throughout. Terry is scheduled to stand trial in July on charges of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton, for which he has entered a not guilty plea.

United boss Ferguson was as animated as anyone in the opening exchanges, almost making his way on to the pitch in a rage when referee Webb failed to penalise Cahill as he tangled with Danny Welbeck on the edge of the area.

And as United continued to edge a cagey encounter, Branislav Ivanovic was forced into a crucial sliding tackle as Welbeck waited to turn in Rooney's inviting low cross.

So it was against the run of play that