Manchester United lost ground on the Premier League's top four as they were held to an entertaining 0-0 draw by Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
Despite the absences of Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford – the latter of whom was only on the bench due to illness – Man United started the brighter of the two sides at Old Trafford in the opening 10 minutes.
Raphael Varane was a very lucky man not long after, though, as the Frenchman felled Callum Wilson in the area, but neither Craig Pawson nor the VAR saw any reason to award a penalty.
The Magpies had a strong case for a spot kick but did not let their heads drop, as Joelinton was left aghast at hitting the crossbar and post in quick succession from a Kieran Trippier free kick, with Eddie Howe's side starting to turn the screw at the Theatre of Dreams.
No goals were to be had before half time, and Cristiano Ronaldo had the ball in the back of the net twice not long after the restart, but the 37-year-old was offside for one and was booked for nicking the ball off of Nick Pope's free kick for the other.
It was then Man United's turn to feel aggrieved at a penalty shout not going their way, as appeals were waved away when Jadon Sancho went down in the box, and the game entered the final 20 minutes still goalless.
Erik ten Hag responded by bringing on Rashford for Ronaldo, and the Englishman was presented with a half-chance from a 30-yard free kick, but his effort did not dip enough to trouble Pope.
Rashford was then presented with a gilt-edged chance to win the game for the Red Devils in the last knockings, but the attacker headed wide as the game ended goalless.
Ten Hag's side remain fifth in the table, three points behind Chelsea following the Blues' 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and the Magpies are one point below the Red Devils in sixth having played a game more.
Man United only have two days to rehabilitate before meeting Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Wednesday, while Newcastle lock horns with Everton on the same evening.
Ben Knapton
