Manchester United's hopes of securing a place in the Premier League top four were dealt another setback by a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho said before the game that he was confident his team would be in the Champions League places by the end of December but, after another frustrating afternoon, that is looking increasingly unlikely.

His team stopped the flow of goals conceded, which is a minor victory after shipping 21 in just 12 games to start the season, but a day that should have seen United bounce back from derby disappointment at Man City ended with them being booed at the final whistle.

Positives

It was a disappointing afternoon but at least United kept a clean sheet, just their second in the league all season. There were nervous moments, though, particularly when Andros Townsend found space on the right side of the penalty area only to fire wide.

Negatives

Only five shots on target against opponents that started the day in 15th. Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made good saves from Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku but, those apart, was rarely troubled. Under Mourinho, United have often relied on a moment of magic to win a game, but on a day when Liverpool and Manchester City scored a combined seven times away from home, there was no such saving grace.

Manager rating out of 10

5 -- The United manager did not mess around with his substitutions and was quick to throw on Marcus Rashford, Marouane Fellaini and Alexis Sanchez early in the second half, but it cannot be a coincidence that so many of his attackers are not performing; for that, the manager must take responsibility.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK David De Gea, 7 -- Made two good saves early in the second half to keep the game goalless and prevent United from suffering further embarrassment.

DF Matteo Darmian, 6 -- Back in the team for the first time since the opening game of the season, he did not do much wrong but offered little going forward.

DF Ashley Young, 6 -- Shifted to left-back to fill in for the suspended Luke Shaw and was dangerous from dead-ball situations. He tried to attack in the final stages.

DF Chris Smalling, 6 -- Had a great chance to put United ahead with a header at the back post from Juan Mata's free kick but sent his effort wide.

DF Victor Lindelof, 6 -- He can look very awkward and got pulled around when Palace broke but did help keep a much-needed clean sheet. Looked to be injured at the end.

MF Nemanja Matic, 6 -- He has taken plenty of criticism for his performances this season but he was better against Palace. However, he is still not as a mobile as he was last season.

MF Paul Pogba, 5 -- A lovely lofted pass onto Lukaku's chest led to a chance for Lingard and Pogba had a couple of long-range efforts himself, but it was no surprise that he was taken off with more than 20 minutes to go.

FW Juan Mata, 5 -- Picked on the right in his 200th game for the club, he should have had an assist in the first half when Smalling headed his free kick wide. Mata was sacrificed when Mourinho went to his bench.

FW Jesse Lingard, 7 -- Gave the ball away to gift Wilfried Zaha a chance but was otherwise United's best player in the first half, when he would have scored had it not been for a good save from Hennessey. Lingard was unlucky to be taken off early.

FW Anthony Martial, 5 -- Should have done better with a header that went straight at Hennessey in the first half and, generally, was kept quiet for the first time in two months.

FW Romelu Lukaku, 5 -- Starting for the first time in a month, he thought he had opened the scoring in the second half but had his effort ruled out for offside. Lots of long balls were arrowed at him and his hold-up play was mixed.

Substitutes

FW Marcus Rashford, 6 -- Added energy and pace but no end product.

MF Marouane Fellaini, 6 -- Plan B didn't pay off as Palace repelled his aerial threat.

FW Alexis Sanchez -- Replaced Pogba but had no impact.