Craig Paws’ ruling cuts short United’s jubilation.

Crag Pawson’s judgment to stop Cristiano Ronaldo from stealing a free-kick off Nick Pope’s toe insured that Manchester United and Newcastle United were tied after an otherwise dull game with no goals.

Manchester United, who were widely seen as favorites to win after suffering just one loss in 37 home league games versus Newcastle, got off to a sluggish start in their attempt to sustain pressure on the top-four spots.
The visitors actually got off to a faster start and came agonizingly close to grabbing the lead when Joelinton’s header smacked off the crossbar and back to the Brazilian, who miraculously headed the rebound against the post.

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Prior to the break, United was able to exert some of their own pressure, but Antony’s attempts to advance were turned down by Nick Pope as a result of Jadon Sancho’s quick work on the counter.

If United’s performance in the first half was a tad lackluster, their start to the second half was undoubtedly not. Fabian Schär touched the ball back from a free-kick for Nick Pope to take in an amazing flashpoint, but Cristiano Ronaldo mistakenly thought that was the free-kick taken and went on to rob the ball from Pope and roll into an empty net. To the dismay of the ten guys in red jerseys, who all ran to encircle the referee, Craig Pawson was on hand to quickly quell United’s jubilation.

In a bizarre manner, Newcastle’s defense was given fresh defensive life by the disallowed goal, and they were more eager than ever to protect their goal with everything they had. Despite Newcastle being fairly comfortable throughout the afternoon, Marcus Rashford’s wayward free-kick about sums up United’s offensive efforts. However, they missed a golden opportunity to clinch all three points when Rashford rounded Pope and laid the ball on a plate for Fred, who missed the goal with the goal at his mercy. The Magpies are clearly better off with a point, but it wasn’t enough to move them up above of United and into fifth.