Gregory claims the ref 'bottled it'

Derby manager John Gregory hailed Malcolm Christie after the young striker's two goals earned the Rams a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United.

He said: "Four years ago he was stacking shelves but he took his opportunity and now he's playing in the Premiership and for England Under-21s."

But Gregory believes Christie should have had a hat-trick and was angry that referee Steve Dunn disallowed the forward's strike.

Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez swiped at Branko Strupar's shot and Christie pounced on the edge of the box - but was judged to have knocked the ball out of Barthez's hands before sticking it in the net.

Even Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson felt a goal should have been given.

Two minutes earlier Christie, who had put the Rams in front in the seventh minute and then equalised 13 minutes from time - had a penalty appeal turned down after being struck by the onrushing Barthez as he shaped to shoot from the edge of the box.

Gregory claimed Dunn had "bottled it twice - completely".

United scored through Paul Scholes in the 40th minute and Juan Veron on the hour.