Scoreless at Old Trafford

Manchester United 0 Liverpool 0

Manchester United and Liverpool slugged out a fiercely competitive opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford without being able to manage a decent shot on goal between them.

A blocked Peter Crouch volley was about the best the north-west giants could manage despite the glimmer of hope offered by Chelsea’s surprise draw with Charlton earlier in the day.

Wayne Rooney’s effort alone deserved some reward but the United man had precious little support and Rio Ferdinand turned in one of his more effective displays to ensure Liverpool’s midfield dominance brought no end product.