From News of the World:
Ruud van Nistelrooy was the culprit yesterday as his misses ended Manchester United's faint title hopes once and for all.
The Dutchman wasted two glorious chances to hand Alex Ferguson a priceless winner and keep the heat on Chelsea at the top of the Premiership.But what a day for gutsy Palace, who had Vassilis Lakis sent off in the 64th minute for two bookings.
They defended with their lives and how precious a point this could be when the relegation places are decided in May.
United boss Ferguson said: "Ruud needs games to get his sharpness back and it's difficult for any striker when you've been out for a period of time. He missed a couple and it's a bad result for us.
"They were fighting for their lives and, although the pitch made it difficult, we had enough chances to win. We created chances, had shots, had penalty claims — but just couldn't get a goal."
Ferguson made five changes from the side that beat Portsmouth last time out, with Tuesday's visit to AC Milan looming large. Van Nistelrooy started but was immediately guilty of miscontrolling twice when well positioned. Strike partner Alan Smith also should have done better with a scuffed 20-yarder.
Palace were struggling to get into the game but they at least limited United at the other end until shortly after the 20-minute mark. Ryan Giggs sent a swirling free-kick into the area, Roy Keane seemed to beat the hosts' offside trap and went through on goal. But a dubious late flag prompted referee Mark Clattenburg to stop play, sending Fergie into a fury on the touchline.
United continued to dominate possession with Smith almost wriggling through after good work from Quinton Fortune. But Danny Granville snuffed out the danger and Palace cleared their lines. United continued to press and another Giggs free-kick on the half-hour almost saw Gabriel Heinze capitalise. But Granville again stepped in — then, moments later, Palace keeper Gabor Kiraly was called into action. Van Nistelrooy latched on to a cross from the left and powered a header goalwards only for Kiraly to save easily.'