Allan Saint-Maximin opened the scoring after seven minutes to give Newcastle an early lead before substitute Edinson Cavani equalised for Manchester United in the second half.
The Magpies pushed for a winner but were held thanks to a number of fine saves from Red Devils goalkeeper David De Gea.
Here are Dominic Scurr’s Newcastle United player ratings from the match…
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1. Newcastle United's French midfielder Allan Saint-Maximin (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 27, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United's French midfielder Allan Saint-Maximin (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park(Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) Photo: PAUL ELLIS
2. Martin Dubravka - 6
Parried a dipping shot from Rashford but had little else to do except pick the ball from out of his net. Photo: Shaun Botterill
3. Emil Krafth - 6
Coped surprisingly well with Manchester United's attacking threat. Booked. Photo: Richard Heathcote
4. Jamaal Lascelles - 7
Made a couple of good blocks and was a presence at the back. An improved display. Photo: Stu Forster