Although United won at Old Trafford in an Emirates FA Cup replay, this was the third draw between the clubs, who started the game level on points in the table.
The shining light for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the encouraging impact of new boy Bruno Fernandes, who looked at ease in his new surroundings, but Diogo Dalot could have earned victory deep into injury time when guiding an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross the wrong side of the post.
There was certainly a feelgood factor and air of expectancy surrounding the sight of Fernandes lining up for action in a red shirt.