Alex Ferguson believes Andy Carroll should have been sent off for his challenge of David De Gea during last night’s Premier League game between West Ham and Manchester United.

The West Ham striker smashed into the United keeper while ostensibly going for a corner.

Ferguson said after the game, “It’s an obvious red card, but the referee’s said different.

“You hope there’s a strong referee … I’m not so sure we got that tonight.”

Ferguson was happy with how his side had played, despite dropping two points, saying his side “played like champions. Magnificent in terms of determination and courage to play.”

West Ham went ahead through Ricardo Vaz Te goal on 16 minutes, which was cancelled out shortly the half hour mark by Antonio Valencia. West Ham regained the lead in the second half through Mohamed Diame but Robin Van Persie struck to save a point for the runaway league leaders.