Manchester United were uninspiring for large parts against struggling Newcastle before underlining their resolve through an Edinson Cavani equaliser.
Returning to action following a Covid-19 outbreak that also forced them close their training base at Carrington, United slipped behind to an Allan Saint-Maximin stunner early on at St James' Park.
Cavani then marked his comeback from injury with a typically on-hand response to make it 1-1.
It was only his second goal of the season and, along with David de Gea, the Uruguayan provided United with a rare positive on a night that would have alarmed Ralf Rangnick given the mistakes and sloppiness on display.
Here are four moments you might have missed:
A collector's item from Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo and United are used to winning.
When things are going well — individually and collectively — opposition supporters are often caught drawing breath when the five-time Ballon d'Or winner picks up the ball, or one of his teammates puts in some quality service.
Newcastle found that out first-hand at Old Trafford earlier in the season. But on Monday night on Tyneside, it was a rare 'air shot' from the Portugal star that buoyed the home fans after Saint-Maximin netted his Christmas cracker. It wasn't meant to be for Ronaldo on this occasion — and the collector's item proved it.
Pawson goes 'easy' on the cards
When you come up against a side scrapping for their lives as Newcastle are, you can expect fight, heart and one or two hefty challenges along the way.
That certainly proved to be the case when Sean Longstaff flew into one tackle on Scott McTominay.
A booking? Not quite.
Instead of picking up a deserved caution, the tenacious midfielder got away with one as Craig Pawson waved for play to continue. It didn't really impact the game, but Ronaldo and Harry Maguire going into the book later on highlighted double standards when it comes to officiating.
Cavani message on his future?
United gave their supporters precious little to savour during a lacklustre opening 45 minutes.
It didn't improve too much upon the restart, but Cavani scoring on his return from injury provided those who made the trip up to the north east with something to cheer. As did a simply magnificent late save from de Gea for that matter.
What might have gone unnoticed was the rigour in which the Uruguayan celebrated. If he is leaning towards a move during the January transfer window, then Cavani did he best to hide it.
Where will United finish this season? Have your say in the comments section below.
Neville spots 'whinging'
Okay, so this one might not have strictly been missed, given Gary Neville pointed it out on Sky Sports half-time. While things appeared to have gone swimmingly for Rangnick during his opening three games — with successive 1-0 wins in the Premier League — some old cracks were visible, once again, when United went 1-0 down.
Some players threw around their arms as if they were out on the school playground, highlighting that Rangnick still has plenty of work to do to bring together this star-studded United group as a collective.
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