Premier League: Manchester United F.C. VC Newcastle United - United game ends in a goalless draw as Cristiano Ronaldo's goals disallowed

Both clubs' ambitious strategies promised to construct a fascinating situation. From the first whistle, Newcastle engaged in intense pressure. The hosts attempted, with varying degrees of success, to get around the harassing white shirts.

Early in the second half, referee Craig Pawson disallowed two goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving the home team furious.

When Jadon Sancho was hauled down inside the penalty box, Erik ten Hag's squad believed a penalty should have been awarded.

After nine minutes, when Raphael Varane fouled Callum Wilson, the visitors requested a penalty, but referee Pawson seemed uninterested.

United attempted 15 shots against Newcastle, but goalkeeper Nick Pope faced just two on goal.

United's beginning was swift. Fred was the first to pull the trigger from a distance, but his aim was off. Lisandro Martinez poked the ball away from Miguel Almiron, and the Reds advanced with Ronaldo, who replaced an ill Marcus Rashford, tormenting Fabian Schar.

David de Gea repelled Wilson's effort by making his 500th United appearance. Martinez displayed additional vigor when he blocked Wilson's shot.

After a rough first half, United began the second period more competently, and Ronaldo had two goals disallowed in rapid succession.

The first was due to an offside earlier in the buildup, while the second was far more questionable and occurred moments later.

Ronaldo appeared to intercept a free kick returned by Fabian Schar to Pope and score, but the referee disallowed the goal.

Sean Longstaff was not penalised for dangling a leg that Jadon Sancho joyfully tripped over inside Newcastle's penalty area one hour into the match.

Erik Ten Hag details Manchester United F.C.'s Cristiano Ronaldo decision

Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, explained that he substituted Cristiano Ronaldo against Newcastle, despite the Red Devils pursuing a goal, to keep the 37-year-old player fresh.

Marcus Rashford replaced him, but United could not even achieve a legal breakthrough.

"We have to cover four games in 10 days - and especially for the strikers I want to keep them fresh," Ten Hag said, specifically referring to the upcoming games against Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Sheriff Tiraspol.

As for the match, Ten Hag said: "We broke them but didn't kill them, by not scoring. We had the chance, Rashford. OK, that happens, football, happy with the performance but disappointed with the result."

Ten Hag was upset throughout the game, "I shared that with them [the officials]. I don't have a comment on the ref's performance."

United is still in fifth place thanks to this win, but Newcastle has dropped to sixth.