An out of sorts United fired blanks as a Ferguson protege continued is poor record against the Master, but still frustated the Reds.

Steve Bruce’s men held United to a 0-0 at the stadium of light. They dominated the first half although the United were unlucky not to come out on top after the second.

When the line-up was announced, questions were asked in the media as to why Berbatov and Evra (both of whom wouldn’t be playing in the International break fixtures – for differing reasons) were omitted from the first XI. Additionally Hernandez was left out, and in Rooney’s  absence, United were definitely in need of an edge up front.

The goals didn’t come. United are left 5 points behind Chelsea, although unbeaten.

Two other important points to note… Liverpool are in the relegation zone after an abysmal start to the reason. More worryingly though, United are below City in the league…