Manchester United play Inter Milan later today (we'll have live coverage) and there's an interesting sub plot...

Steve Bruce may not be on the touchline for this game due to his visa issues but it looked like he has had an effect on the Newcastle team.

They were much, much better in that half than the other day when they were thrashed by Wolves.

Newcastle deservedly lead at half-time.

West Ham get a free-kick on the stroke of half-time but the delivery sums up their half. It's straight into the hands of Martin Dubravka.

One minute is added on.

Actually I've just seen a replay of that handball shout. Clark was sticking his elbow out. It was from close range but the arm wasn't a natural position. It was more of a penalty than I initially thought.

Andriy Yarmolenko appeals for one of those handballs we're going to see a lot this season. It looked like he just kicked the ball at Ciaran Clark's hand from close range in the box.

Not given. The right decision for me.

Newcastle have looked like a team with something to play for. West Ham have played this like a pre-season friendly.

The wish to impress Steve Bruce has clearly made a difference.

It was a really tight call as to whether Muto was offside there. He might have just been leaning off but with no VAR the goal stands.

West Ham finally string something together as Felipe Anderson is released down the left. He crosses low but it is cut out.

Declan Rice then puts in another tasty challenge. The local referee is keeping his cards in his pocket.

West Ham look like they have plenty of work to do between now and their Premier League opener against Man City in three weeks time. They look leggy and haven't really created anything.

They've given the ball away a lot too.

The Newcastle fans are chanting "We Want Ashley Out" in Shanghai.

Is he listening? Probably not.

DRINKS BREAK KLAXON.

As Samir says, Newcastle have been the better team.

Samir Domah: Newcastle surprisingly playing good football. Guess with managerial uncertainty gone, there are no distractions.

Newcastle's Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto has been lively. He'll be keen to make an impression on Steve Bruce with Hoffenheim forward Joelinton strongly linked with a move to Tyneside.

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini is out in his technical area with his hands on his hips. I think he'll be giving his side a telling off. I don't think I've mentioned their key attackers, Javier Hernandez, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko yet.

I went to Shanghai earlier this year. It's a great place but at no point did I think "I'd love to be running around playing football in this weather". It's 5.15pm and still 32 degrees, apparently.

West Ham have had to do a lot of work without the ball.

Postpublished at 17 mins

17 mins

Newcastle 0-0 West Ham

Hayden has gone to slide in for the ball but his knee has dug into the turf and he has twisted awkwardly. A bit like England bowler Simon Jones in the Ashes all those years ago for any cricket fans reading this.

It looks like the midfielder will be OK to continue.

More good play from Newcastle. They have been by far the better team. But there's a worry here. Isaac Hayden is down on the ground. The referee is calling for a stretcher.

Did they forget to tell Ciaran Clark this is a pre-season game?