Robin van Persie scored a late equaliser to earn Manchester United a 2-2 draw and a replay against West Ham United in the FA Cup third round.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men took the lead after 23 minutes through a smart finish from Tom Cleverley after Javier Hernandez's cross.

Just five minutes later, the Hammers grabbed an equaliser when James Collins got up to meet a fine cross from new signing Joe Cole.

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Danny Welbeck came close to restoring his side's lead just before half time, but his effort was well-saved.

After 59 minutes, James Collins scored a second goal from yet another cross by Joe Cole to give the home side a 2-1 lead.

Ferguson brought Van Persie on in the second half for Hernandez to get his side back into the game.

The away side tried to get forward in search of an equaliser, but West Ham stood strong.

Ryan Giggs had a golden chance to bring the scores level, but he put his header over from six yards out.

United did finally grab a late equaliser in injury time when Ryan Giggs clipped the ball into Van Persie, who took the ball into his stride and finished calmly to make it 2-2.

The final whistle blew and this third round tie will need a replay at Old Trafford.