Martial scored within two minutes of coming on as a sub, but Allen levelled the scores in the final 10 minutes
Manchester United hosted Stoke at Old Trafford, looking for a win that would move them up to third in the Premier League.
United looked to be on course for victory when substitute Anthony Martial put them ahead in the 69th minute just four minutes after coming on.
But former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen took full advantage of a rare mistake by David De Gea - who spilled a shot - to plunder an equaliser and earn Stoke a vital point that lifted them off the foot of the table.
Here are five things we learned from today's draw at Old Trafford:
1. Rooney's fate is sealed
A third successive game on the bench for United skipper Wayne Rooney provided conclusive proof his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end. What happens next summer remains to be seen, but Jose Mourinho has done what David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were too weak to do and benched a once great player whose best days are clearly behind him.
2. Mata flourishes in No.10 role
Juan Mata has had to bide his time to play in the role he craves most and the one he feels brings out the best in him, but the Spaniard is thriving this season in a more central position. He produced some impressive link-up play and forced a super save from Stoke keeper Lee Grant with a deft chip, before he was replaced when he began to tire.
3. Martial finally sparks into life
Anthony Martial has endured a difficult start to his second season at United, after his 17-goal heroics last term. But the France forward proved he can still produce a moment of match-winning magic with his curling finish for the opening goal, just four minutes after coming on.
4. United left to rue missed chances
When Mourinho reflects on how his side dropped two points, he will come back to their poor finishing in front of goal. United may have been denied by the heroics of Stoke keeper Lee Grant on several occasions, but it was ultimately their poor finishing when in sight of goal that cost them victory, something they must improve on if they are to challenge for the title.
5. Grant dazzles for Stoke
Lee Grant is only in the Stoke side because of a long-term injury to No.1 Jack Butland, but the 33-year-old, making only his second Premier League appearance, justified his place ahead of Shay Given with four fine saves in the first-half, the pick an outstanding reaction stop at point-blank range to deny Jesse Lingard. He had little chance of keeping out Martial's stunning strike.
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