MANCHESTER: Cristiano Ronaldo’s difficult relationship with Erik ten Hag plumbed new depths as Manchester United were held goalless at home by Newcastle.

United’s erratic form was disappointing again. Christian Eriksen missed his first Premier League game of the season through illness and, without him, United lacked creativity. Newcastle could have secured only their second victory at Old Trafford since 1972 but Joelinton headed against the bar in the first half then failed to head the rebound into an empty net.

Before kickoff Ronaldo had been presented by Sir Alex Ferguson with a special award to acknowledge his 700 club goals. But two attempts to add to his tally were disallowed just after halftime.

First time Ronaldo was clearly offside. However the second was questionable. Ronaldo and his team-mates thought Fabian Schar had pushed a free-kick back to goalkeeper Nick Pope and Ronaldo dashed forward to put the all in the net. Referee referee Craig Pawson ruled that the ball had not been in play and showed Ronaldo a yellow card.

Ronaldo was obviously angry at being substituted by Ten Hag 18 minutes from time. He shook his head in disappointed and continuing shaking his head all the way to the substitutes’ bench. He would have though his anger justified when substitute Marcos Rashford sent a stoppage-time header wide of goal.

Ten Hag, pressed on the Ronaldo change, added: “We have four games in 10 days and the strikers especially have to run and deliver a lot so I have to protect them to keep their freshness. Rashford brought energy in and created two huge chances.

“Ronaldo did a good job and had a real impact in the game but we have to rotate because we need to perform like this in every game.”

United are home to Tottenham on Wednesday.

The draw was another good result for Newcastle who have now drawn with both Manchester clubs and have lost only once this season.

Carry on, Gunners

Arsenal maintained top spot after a ninth win in 10 matches by 1:0 at Leeds on a first-half goal from Bukayo Saka. Leeds’ Patrick Bamford had a nightmare. He missed a string of opportunities including a late second-half penalty.

The match was halted after 23 seconds of play because of electricity power problems cut which cut communication links between the refereeing officials as well as VAR and goal-line technology. Power was restored after 20 minutes.

Chelsea fear England rightback Reece James will be out for eight weeks after injuring a knee in Tuesday’s 2:0 Champions League win at Milan. This would mean him missing the World Cup though James has promised a “race against time” to be fit.

The Blues, without him, maintained their unbeaten six-game revival under Graham Potter by winning 2-0 at Aston Villa. Mason Mount scored his first two club goals of the season in front of the England manager Gareth Southgate.

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