Manchester United equaled an unwanted club record following the goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, their sixth 0-0 draw in 2020-2021, their joint-most in a single campaign in the competition, along with 2004-05 and 2016-17.

The point earned leaves the Red Devils fourteen points behind table-toppers Manchester City as the Old Trafford side found it difficult breaking down the Crystal Palace defence.

England U21 international of Nigerian descent Eberechi Eze tasted action for the Eagles, lasting 84 minutes on the pitch while talented 17-year-old striker Shola Shoretire was an unused substitute.

With United searching for a winning goal, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær explained his decision not to bring on either Shoretire or Amad Diallo in the second half.

On why he did not use his last substitute, the Norwegian coach was quoted as saying by Football. London : "Marcus out there, Mason, Bruno, Scott came on and almost had a chance. Put Dan on for some pace. With those out there, that's most of our goals that we've had.

"We had Shola or Amad, but which of those five would you take off? That's the quandary in the last 15 minutes.

"Scotty and Dan actually had a chance each when they came on".

Shoretire made two appearances off the bench for Manchester United last month, against Newcastle United in the Premier League before making his European debut vs Real Sociedad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel