United manager Simon Grayson admits he was left with mixed emotions after Saturday's 2-2 Elland Road draw with Norwich City.

Substitute Davide Somma salvaged what Grayson felt was a more than deserved point against promotion rivals Norwich, but the manager equally felt his side could have won what was an entertaining clash and a great advert for the Championship.

"It was a cracking game with both teams going for the win and both playing in a cracking manner," said the United boss.

"We should have been two or three up by half-time. We hit the post, the bar, and created plenty of opportunities, then we suffered a killer blow on half-time when they pulled a goal back.

"We said 'don't let it hit your confidence'. What we did in the first half was very good. It was as good as we've played in terms of creativity and negating how Norwich could play. We knew what to expect from Norwich with the way they played, and we nullified much of what they can do. Our attacking play was outstanding at times, and it could have been game over.

"In the second half we had a body blow going a goal behind, but the players showed good spirit. We should have won, but…"

Somma levelled with his first touch and the South African was only denied a winning goal by some quite brilliant defending from Zak Whitbread.

"Your first touch is usually a warm-up one, but to put it in the back of the net like that over his shoulder from 18 yards out, was magnificent," said the boss. "He was unlucky not to play. He almost had a great chance in the last few minutes, but Zak Whitbread did brilliantly to head clear."

Fellow sub Billy Paynter was also denied in the final minute when John Ruddy spread himself well to turn a shot around the post.

"He hit it, the keeper made a good save, and it went just wide," added the boss. "It summed up our afternoon. Based on the 90 minutes it was two points lost, but I was really pleased with how we played with the shape and the chances."