Manchester United 0 Newcastle 0: Rooney goal disallowed as Van Gaal’s men are frustrated at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s 100 per cent league record came to an end against Newcastle as the visitors stubborn defensive display allowed them to hold on to a 0-0 draw.

Chris Smalling had the host’s best chance in the dying minutes, heading against the post from a corner, as Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Memphis Depay struggled to build on a bright start.

United dominated the opening fifteen minutes and Rooney would be entitled to feel aggrieved after being called offside in the fourth minute. Replays suggested the decision was marginal, with the England captain deserving the benefit of the doubt when he finished smartly.

But Newcastle grew in threat as the opening period progressed and Alexsandar Mitrovic gave Daley Blind a thorough test from crosses. The Serbian striker went closest in the first half, heading against the bar from a Georginio Wijnaldum cross.

The home side struggled to break down a deep-sitting Newcastle side in the second half, as Fabricio Coloccini led by example with several courageous blocks.

As the game approached its climax the visitors ceded possession to van Gaal’s packing the defence to get in the way off any United effort. When the hosts did find a way around the back Newcastle could rely on the excellent Tim Krul, who saved smartly from substitute Javier Hernandez with 10 minutes to go.