London- Champions Manchester United slipped up in their pursuit of Chelsea and Liverpool at the top of the English Premier League on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Everton.

Darren Fletcher put United in front on 22 minutes but Marouane Fellaini headed the equalizer for Everton with just under half an hour to go to give the home side a share of the spoils.

The point means United remain fifth, still five points behind Chelsea and Liverpool, who play each other at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

United completely dominated Everton in terms of possession but were made to pay for not taking their chances on a blustery day.

The visitors began well and Fletcher gave them the lead midway through the first half, finishing off a lovely one-touch move.

United fans thought that might be the cue for the floodgates to open but they could not find the second and Fellaini rose at the far post to head the equalizer midway through the second half.

Yakubu almost put Everton in front but Edwin van der Sar pushed his shot onto the post, while Cristiano Ronaldo flashed a shot just wide late on, before Everton survived four minutes of added time to earn a point that moves them up to 13th place.

Later on Saturday, third-placed Hull City, the surprise team of the season so far, could join the top two on 20 points if they win at West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal, one point behind Hull in fourth, are in action on Sunday. (dpa)