Manchester United were denied a fourth straight win in all competitions on a frustrating afternoon at Old Trafford as Stoke City struck late on to secure a point.
Anthony Martial, on as a second-half substitute, curled home beautifully from 12 yards for his first goal of the season to give the Reds the lead in the 69th minute. But, with eight minutes remaining, Joe Allen scored for the second league game in a row after Jon Walters hit the crossbar as Mark Hughes’ side, who are second from bottom in the table, earned a first league point at the Theatre of Dreams since their 2008 promotion.
Paul Pogba rattled the crossbar late on but United missed the chance to move up to third in the Premier League and will rue a host of first-half opportunities which they failed to convert. They also came up against an inspired Lee Grant in the Stoke goal.
As a mark of respect, both sides wore black armbands to mark the passing on Saturday of former United and Stoke striker David Herd at the age of 82.
Jose Mourinho named the same team who dismantled champions Leicester 4-1 last weekend, with four changes from Thursday’s Europa League win over Zorya Luhansk.
