Radamel Falcao scores to fire Manchester United level in their Premier League clash against Stoke City to cancel out a second-minute opener from Ryan Shawcross.

It is all square at 1-1 at the break in the Premier League clash between Stoke City and Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters got off to the perfect start in the match as they took the lead in the second minute when Peter Crouch nodded a ball from a corner into the path of Ryan Shawcross, who turned the ball in from close range.

Radamel Falcao of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester United at Britannia Stadium on January 1, 2015 © Getty Images

Mark Hughes's men had a great chance to double their lead as Jonny Evans allowed the ball to bounce under pressure inside the box and Mame Biram Diouf won it from the defender, but he fired his left-footed shot wide of the post.

United made Diouf pay for his missed opportunity as Radamel Falcao brought them level when he poked the ball past Asmir Begovic from inside the six-yard box after Michael Carrick had flicked a cross from a corner into his path.

Ryan Shawcross of Stoke City celebrates scoring the first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester United at Britannia Stadium on January 1, 2015 © Getty Images

Both sides had decent possession of the ball towards the end of the half, but neither could turn it into clear-cut chances to edge ahead at half time.