Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was dejected after their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

United went into the game 12 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and were looking for a victory that would close the gap to fourth-placed Tottenham to just three points.

However, Jose Mourinho's men toiled after a bright opening 15 minutes and Palace looked the more likely winners in the closing stages, with Andros Townsend going close for the visitors after a bright run.

United defender Smalling was dejected after the final whistle and told MUTV: "Between now and Christmas there are so many home games that three points had to be a must so whether it was a point or no points, it might as well have been a loss.

“I think we need to keep working hard as a team, creating those chances and ultimately finishing them.

"We need to make sure the games that we dominate, we win."