United and Shabab Al Ahli were forced to settle for a point apiece after playing out a 1-1 draw at Al Maktoum Stadium, with both sides unable to return to winning ways.
Shabab Al Ahli enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and registered the first real threat after seven minutes when Rikelme fired a free-kick narrowly wide of the post.
The visitors continued to apply pressure and enjoyed the greater attacking momentum throughout the first half, but struggled to turn their superiority into clear-cut opportunities as the two sides went into the break goalless.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the opening period, United found the breakthrough in the 58th minute with a well-worked attacking move.
Shavy Babicka collected the ball on the right flank before picking out Alemhdi Maouhoub inside the penalty area, and the forward made no mistake with a composed finish into the back of the net.
Falling behind prompted an immediate response from Shabab Al Ahli, who pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 74th minute when Saeid Ezatolahi converted from the penalty spot, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity.
Neither side was able to find a decisive second goal in the closing stages, leaving the points shared at Al Maktoum Stadium.
The result leaves United seventh in the standings with seven points, while Shabab Al Ahli sit third on ten points.
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