SIR Bobby Robson revealed the sense of disappointment from the United dressing room after a controversial injury-time strike from Jimmy Floyd hasselbaink denied his side an opening day win at Middlesbrough.

Craig Bellamy gave United an early lead, and even after Stewart Downing levelled The Magpies looked to be cruising to three points after Alan Shearer put them 2-1 ahead from the spot with seven minutes left.

But last season's habit of conceding late goals at the death came back to haunt United as Hasselbaink popped up to net in stoppage time with an effort that looked like it had gone in off his arm.

"We're disappointed because we had the game won twice and we've thrown it away at the end," said Sir Bobby.

"I'm not so sure about their equaliser though, and Shola Ameobi is steaming with rage in the dressing room because he is adamant their player used his arm to score the goal.

"Shola saw it, and Olivier Bernard says he did too. Unfortunately for us the referee didn't see it, and nor did the linesman.

"We've thrown away two points, as we did away from home on too many occasions last season.

"Overall though I was quite satisfied with the performance and the way we played. We were solid across the middle and Shearer and Bellamy caused problems up front.

"Even at 2-1 we could have scored another when JJ had a great chance that he's somehow put wide of the post, and they've gone straight up the other end and nicked a point.

"We should have been celebrating a victory, but instead we're talking about two dropped points."