United had the chances to win the game on the break, Rasmus Hojlund going closest, before Diogo Dalot was sent off in injury time for dissent
Manchester United held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw in a drab affair at Anfield.
The hosts never found their attacking rhythm, creating few clear-cut chances against the stubborn visitors.
And United had the chances to win the game on the break, Rasmus Hojlund going closest, before Diogo Dalot was sent off in injury time for dissent.
Here is what we learned from the underwhelming match.
Anfield letdown
There is no getting away from the fact that this showdown was a major disappointment.
Liverpool attempted to make the running — but all of their front three were wasteful, while the Reds missed Alexis Mac Allister’s playmaking ability in midfield.
And by the finale, the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo were resorting to hit-and-hope shots and crosses from distance.
It ensured the Anfield crowd were kept quiet, with Gary Neville stating on commentary that he could not remember such a flat atmosphere in this fixture.
Stubborn United
But that swell of emotion quickly died down as the Reds failed to land much of a blow on their wounded opponent.
United were happy to utilise similar tactics to those that kept Bayern Munich quiet in the Champions League on Tuesday, putting men behind the ball and stifling their opponents’ attacking riches.
A 0-0 draw is better than what many predicted for Erik ten Hag’s side, even for a club that aspires for better.
Livescore.com