The Portugal star returned to Manchester United's Premier League line up against Newcastle but failed to take his chance

Manchester United could not make it four straight wins after being held to a frustrating draw by in-form Newcastle on Sunday in the Premier League.

The Red Devils lacked quality and creativity in attack throughout at Old Trafford, but did have chances to win the game, particularly late on as Erik ten Hag's men pushed for a winner.

Fred and Marcus Rashford were both presented with excellent opportunities to snatch all three points, but could not find the target and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Yet it could have been a different game entirely if Joelinton had scored in the first half. The Brazilian hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds but somehow the ball managed to stay out.

But who came away from the game with any credit, and who had a day to forget? GOAL breaks it down…

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Lisandro Martinez

This was far from a vintage performance from United, which makes picking any winners a tough job. Martinez did, though, show the attitude and leadership needed by Ten Hag's side. The Argentine was a key reason why the Red Devils kept a clean sheet and won 100 percent of his tackles in the 90 minutes. He also ensured it was a tough afternoon for Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, who only really had one sighting of goal and put his shot wide.

Christian Eriksen

Eriksen missed his first Premier League game since joining United in the summer due to illness, and was badly missed by the hosts. Ten Hag’s side lacked inspiration and creativity without the 30-year-old in their side and found it hard to carve out chances. There was also a distinct lack of composure and control, and United will be eager to have Eriksen back when they take on his former team Tottenham next time out.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo was presented with a plate by Sir Alex Ferguson after scoring his 700th club goal last weekend, but there was to be no goal number 701 for the Portguese on Sunday. Starting in the league for the first time since that infamous 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August, Ronaldo endured a frustrating afternoon, seeming to waver between dropping too deep in search of the ball and then being caught offside when United did find him up the pitch. He did manage to get the ball in the back of the net twice, but it was no surprise to see his first effort rightly flagged for offside, before the forward stole the ball off Nick Pope after thinking Newcastle had taken a free-kick short, but his subsequent effort was also waved away before he picked up a booking for his efforts. Ronaldo ended up walked off shaking his head when he was replaced on 72 minutes, but he can't really have any arguments about his substitution.

Fred

Fred was back in the starting XI with Scott McTominay suspended, but it will be a huge surprise if he keeps his place after a truly abysmal showing against Newcastle. The Brazilian's touch was poor, he was easily bullied off the ball and was guilty of conceding possession far too easily on countless occasions. Indeed, he almost gifted Newcastle the opening goal after being hounded off the ball just outside the penalty area, but Wilson could only flash the shot wide. Fred also had a golden opportunity to win it for United late on. The Brazilian did manage to connect with Rashford's cross but missed with the goal gaping.

Joelinton

Neither team created too many chances at Old Trafford, but there's no doubt the best two opportunities to break the deadlock fell to Joelinton in the first half. The Newcastle midfielder did beat David de Gea with his first effort, but then saw the ball hit the crossbar. Joelinton react quickly to the miss, but could only put the rebound onto the post. The Brazilian was able to manage a wry smile afterwards, but there's no doubt it was a huge let-off for United.

GettyMan Utd Ratings: Defence

David de Gea (6/10):

His distribution wasn’t great, but he will be happy to keep a clean sheet on his 500th appearance for the club. Did have his woodwork to thank as Joelinton twice hit the frame of the goal in the first half.

Diogo Dalot: (6/10):

Solid enough and was, like the whole team, better after the break.

Raphael Varane (7/10):

Might have conceded a penalty for an early clash with Wilson, but otherwise a composed showing from the Frenchman.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10):

Was really up for the battle and enjoyed his tussle with Wilson.

Luke Shaw (6/10):

Did a decent enough job at the back but Ten Hag will want him to contribute more going forwards.

Getty ImagesMidfield

Casemiro (6/10):

The pick of the bunch in midfield but that’s not saying much. Wanted a penalty in the second half but went to ground a little too easily.

Fred (4/10):

A really poor performance from the Brazilian who looked clumsy on the ball and was too easily knocked off it.

Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

Just couldn’t get going and ended up bickering with Ronaldo, which is never a good sign. Booked for a nasty challenge on Bruno Guimaraes that smacked of frustration.