Manchester United might have already missed out on their perfect Cristiano Ronaldo replacement

It was somewhat fitting that Manchester United saved their first draw of the season for their first non-televised game of the campaign against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Expected to come flying out of the blocks, still fuelled with energy and adrenaline following Scott McTominay's last-gasp winner against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League less than 72 hours earlier, United were the polar opposite, proving slow, sluggish and bereft of attacking ideas. Newcastle were the better side for much of the first half and would have gone into the interval with their noses in front had the woodwork not denied Joelinton twice.

The Reds, to their credit, did improve after the break and had it not been for some wasteful finishing from Marcus Rashford and Fred in the dying stages they would have scooped a fourth successive win in all competitions. Fred blazed wide after connecting with Rashford's cutback before the latter headed wide when it looked easier to hit the target.

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Although the stalemate with Newcastle marked only the second time that United have failed to score in the Premier League so far this season - the 4-0 battering at Brentford being the other - their lack of goals is starting to become a concern. Although they have shared their collection of goals among their main forwards so far this term, United are not currently able to call upon someone to regularly deliver the goods.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who claimed just his second league start of the season against the Magpies, has scored just once in the league this term, that being the match-winner off the bench at Everton a little over a week ago. Rashford has blown hot