LONDON, England (AFP) — Darren Bent scored a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser as the Premier League’s bottom club Fulham undermined Manchester United’s Champions League hopes in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford yesterday.

Fulham had taken a shock lead through Steve Sidwell in the 19th minute, but quick-fire goals from Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick in the final 12 minutes appeared to have set United on course for victory.

There was one final twist in the tale, however, as deep into stoppage time David de Gea could only push a Kieran Richardson shot into the air and Bent nodded in the rebound to earn Fulham a vital point.

The draw left United nine points adrift of Liverpool, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League place, while Fulham inched to within four points of safety at the foot of the table.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen, a former United coach, had seen his side eliminated by third-tier Sheffield United in the FA Cup in mid-week, but after weathering early pressure, his side took the lead.

As Fulham attacked down the left, Sidwell drifted into the box undetected and when Lewis Holtby picked him out with a lofted pass, the former Chelsea midfielder slid in to tuck a side-foot volley past De Gea.

United were not slow to react, Van Persie, Ashley Young and Carrick going close, but Richardson should have doubled Fulham’s lead in the 37th minute when he shot over with only De Gea to beat.

United resumed control, with Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg saving from Carrick and Nemanja Vidic before producing a stunning reflex stop to thwart Wayne Rooney early in the second half.

United now find themselves six points behind fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur, who stole a march on Everton with a 1-0 victory over their Champions League qualification rivals at White Hart Lane.

Emmanuel Adebayor settled the game in the 65th minute, chesting down a quick free-kick from Kyle Walker and resisting the attentions of Seamus Coleman before drilling a low shot past Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.