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.
De Gea denied Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron while Jacob Murphy hit the post.
The result keeps Newcastle 19th in the table, level on points with 18th place Burnley who have four games in hand. They are two points from safety.
NUFC line-up: Dubravka, Krafth, Schar, Lascelles, Manquillo, Shelvey, S Longstaff, Joelinton, Fraser (Almiron, 74), Saint-Maximin (Gayle, 83), Wilson (Murphy, 45). Subs not used: Woodman, Gillespie, Hendrick, Murphy, Anderson, White.
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