Michael Owen scored the winner deep in stoppage-time after Craig Bellamy had pulled the visitors level in the 90th minute.

It was hard for City to take as they were so close to claiming a point and Hughes rounded on referee Martin Atkinson and fourth official Alan Wiley.

Hughes said: "I have not had a word with the referee yet but the the fourth official tried to give me an explanation of sorts as I was questioning the amount of time added on even before the game finished.

"His explanation did not sit comfortably with me. He said a minute plus had been added because of our celebration. We scored on 90 minutes, the board was already up for four minutes, so Mr Wiley said he was going to add that minute on.

"The amount of time from when we scored to when we kicked-off was something like 45 seconds. He has got that wrong as well. It was 95 minutes 26 seconds.

"Obviously he has played too much time and we ended up playing 97 minutes. I just needed an explanantion as to why so much time was needed.

"Historically it has happened before. I was in teams here where we always had a little bit of benefit. I never felt it was an issue when we played here.

"But since I have left maybe I have changed my view on that. I am not going to question anyone's integrity but I do not know where has got seven minutes from. It would be nice to get an explanation but I don't think I will."

City had pegged United back three times with Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher (2) getting goals for the home side.

However Craig Bellamy also scored a brace with Gareth Barry on target as well.

United could not hide their delight at the end of the match but Hughes disagreed with Sir Alex Ferguson that it could have been 7-0 to the champions.

"Maybe he feels the need to say that. I have an outstanding goalkeeper (Shay Given) who is paid to stop shots going in his net and that is what he does on a regular basis, " said the City boss.

"You expect some point in a game at Old Trafford against a very good team to withstand some pressure. To suggest they were seven goals better than us is incorrect.

"They did seem quite excitable at the end of the game. It reminded me of Sir Alex and Brian Kidd. I saw Gary Neville running like a lunatic. It showed how much it meant to them.

"That is something we will take out the game. We knew we could compete against United and we did that. It is a game we can take many positives out of.

"Craig Bellamy has finished on the losing side. He has scored two goals that will probably never be bettered in his career. To be on losing side very difficult for him and the team to take."