Chris Hughton was denied a win at Tannadice Park by a late penalty in a match that could see the side that faces West Brom in the opening game of the new campaign ... asking mor questions than we got the answers to.
The main talking point among the 2,330 travelling fans was Fabricio Coloccini and Bassong's absence, but the sad death of former Newcastle and England manager Robson on Friday took centre stage.
There was a minute's applause before the game in memory of Sir Bobby, and his name was chanted throughout the game.
United – again captained by Alan Smith – sported a new black and blue third strip for the game.
Joey Barton had Newcastle's first chance of the game in the 10th minute, and Steven Taylor headed well over from a corner swung in by his namesake Ryan later in the half.
Ryan Taylor escaped with just a talking to from referee Chris Boyle after an over-the-top challenge on former Everton striker Danny Cadamarteri a minute later.
Carroll got on the end of a right-wing Damien Duff cross in the 40th minute, but his weak header was easily gathered by goalkeeper Stevie Banks, who also turned a long-range shot from Joey Barton round his post before the half was over.
On the hour Carroll seized on a howler from Banks to send Newcastle into the lead. Banks fumbled Duff's cross, and the striker coolly took advantage.
Harper saved a penalty from Swanson in the 66th minute, conceded by Kevin Nolan, to keep Newcastle's narrow lead intact, and Banks easily gathered a Ryan Taylor free kick a couple of minutes later.
Barton forced a good save out of Banks in the 71st minute as the visitors pressed for a second goal.
Newcastle's supporters once again showed their feelings towards owner Mike Ashley by trying to 'encourage' him to sell up.
Nolan headed an Andy Webster effort off the line late in the game, and Dundee United had a second penalty in the 85th minute when Ryan Taylor was adjudged to have tugged Craig Conway in the box. Goodwillie beat Harper from the spot to level.
Duff was replaced by Geremi two minutes from time after the referee appeared to ask Hughton to substitute him.
NEWCASTLE UNITED: Harper; R Taylor, S Taylor, Kadar, Enrique; Gutierrez, Barton (LuaLua, 75), Smith, Duff (Geremi, 88); Nolan; Carroll. Subs not used: Krul, Tozer, Donaldson, Vuckic.
Attendance: 8,876