Red Devils’ campaign flounders

Man Utd 0 Villarreal 0

After drawing a blank for the fourth time in five group D matches, the Glazer family-owned club must now head to Lisbon for the December 7 encounter with Benfica knowing only victory will definitely secure a passage into the lucrative knock-out phase.

With up to €22 million (£15m) in prize money hinging on United’s progress and the interest on their €1.15 billion (£790m) takeover to service, the Glazers will no doubt be thankful for the safety net provided by the knowledge even a draw will be good enough if Villarreal beat Lille in their final match.