Although they were unlucky in an action which saw them hit the woodwork twice, the Mancunians remained desperately silent in front of the Eagles.
The latter also had a good opportunity to make the difference, through Nketiah and Sarr, who both came up against a vigilant Onana, one after the other.
Plugged into alternating current at the start of the season, Manchester United find themselves 11e five points behind provisional leader Liverpool. Crystal Palace are 16e with three small points on the counter.