Manchester United squandered a chance to put pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City as Bruno Fernandes' equaliser spared their blushes in a 1-1 draw at struggling West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were rocked by Mbaye Diagne's second-minute opener for Albion at the Hawthorns.
Portugal midfielder Fernandes levelled just before half-time with his 19th goal of the season in all competitions.
But United were unable to find a break down second-bottom Albion again and had to settle for a third damaging draw in their last four league matches.
They moved above Leicester into second place, but sit seven points behind City, who have a game in hand.
United have lost just once in 18 league games and are unbeaten in 19 away league matches, but they left the icy West Midlands well aware City are now firmly in pole position to win the title.
After the blistering form that carried them into the title race across December and January, United are stumbling while City have won their last 11 league games.