Man United held to another 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace

Published Oct. 31, 2015 2:00 p.m. ET

foxsports

LONDON (AP) Manchester United failed to score again in its 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

United toiled in attack with an out of form Wayne Rooney leading the line and Palace had the best chances to win the game at Selhurst Park.

Its most notable opportunity fell to midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who turned a shot wide from six yards out after a cross from Joel Ward in the 74th minute.

The draw means United drops to fourth, with Leicester moving up to third after beating West Bromwich Albion. United was held to a 0-0 draw by fierce rival Manchester City in the league last weekend.

''You have to finish your chances,'' United manager Louis van Gaal said. ''We have to score in the next game to make everybody happy.

Seeking to bounce back from a surprise defeat on penalties to second-tier Middlesbrough on Wednesday in the League Cup, Van Gaal's side was tentative in possession and lacked creativity in the final third of the pitch.

Rooney had the best chance to score for his side, but a one-on-one opening was smothered by Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey before the striker could shoot at goal. He also directed a free kick straight at Hennessey in the first half.

It was Alan Pardew's side which was most threatening and United had to rely on goalkeeper David de Gea, particularly in the first half, to deny Palace attackers Dwight Gayle and Yannick Bolasie.

De Gea turned a half-volley from Bolasie around the post after 11 minutes, and the Spain goalkeeper tipped over Scott Dann's header from the resulting corner.

As the game progressed, United appeared more comfortable, particularly in defense. But going forward, Anthony Martial and Rooney struggled to combine to worry Palace.

And Palace looked likeliest to win the game late on, but Bolasie headed narrowly over in the 90th after a drilled cross by Jason Puncheon.

Palace manager Pardew was pleased with his side's display but felt his team deserved to win.

''We got off to a good start and should have scored,'' Pardew said. ''We were patient and caused them problems. It's an important point for us. We deserved three, but we'll take the one.''