United's Under 23s were put under considerable pressure at the Etihad but managed to emerge with a creditable draw, secured thanks to an excellent save in the last seconds by Kevin O'Hara.
The Reds came close to going behind in the seventh minute when Poole's rare mistake at the back allowed Kongolo a run on goal, but the city youngster fired his shot high over the bar.
City continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession, but failed to carve out another clear-cut chance in the first half and it was United who took the lead against the run of play. Willock picked the ball up in midfield and held off a series of challenges from city defenders before drilling a fine shot low past O'Brien.
The home side pressed forward before half-time, but the Reds were solid at the back and O'Hara went into the interval without having to make a save.
Sadly, his first action real in the second half was to pick the ball out of the net when city equalised just after the hour mark, substitute Diaz curling a superb shot beyond the reach of the United keeper.
There was no question it was any more than city deserved and they looked determined to push for a winner. Although another good run from Willock almost put in Harrop for United, the home side always carried the greater threat and United again had to defend resiliently to see the game out. Indeed, city ought to have won the game deep in stoppage time when O'Hara did magnificently to spread himself and deny Diaz when he looked certain to score.
Although a draw at the Etihad can be considered a good result for the Reds, the performance again raised concerns about how United will cope this season with such a severe lack of forward options at this level. Once again, however, defensively United coped admirably in the face of a stiff test from a lively city side.
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