LIVERPOOL 0, MAN UNITED 0
PERHAPS this was the least surprising result as Manchester United were involved in a goalless draw at Liverpool for the second successive season.
United set up to frustrate and primarily to ensure they didn’t lose, a ploy that again succeeded.
But hopes of snatching a victory that would have given them their best-ever start to the Premier League season didn’t materialise in a fixture that wasn’t pleasant to the eye.
Jose Mourinho had sent on Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford for the final quarter, but even this more adventurous approach didn’t pay off.
There was effectively only one clear-cut chance for either side. Joel Matip was denied by the legs of David De Gea while opposite number Simon Mignolet kept out an effort from Romelu Lukaku.
However, Mourinho was nonetheless satisfied as United remain unbeaten after eight league games that have yielded 20 points.
In that respect it was a job well done in extending the team’s unbeaten run. They also haven’t lost in their last seven league games against Liverpool who have now won only one of their last five league matches.
Mourinho denied Jurgen Klopp’s claim that United came for a point saying they wanted three.
And he countered by claiming it was Klopp’s tactics that stifled the game.
Mourinho said: “The second half was like a game of chess, but my opponent didn’t open the door for me to win the game.
“It was difficult to do due to the dynamics of the game. I was waiting for Jurgen to change and go more attacking.”
Mourinho added his tactical hands were tied due to their depleted midfield – they were without Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini.
He pointed out he only had Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic in centre of midfield while Liverpool kept three central midfield players on throughout the game.
Mourinho added it was crying out for changes in his midfield, but there was nobody on the bench he was able to summon.
With 20 foreign broadcasters at Anfield, this remains one of the most eagerly-awaited fixtures in the football calendar.
As were all the luminaries on media duty, Peter Schmeichel, Robbie Fowler, Dean Saunders, Jason McAteer, Chris Kirkland and even an appearance by Louis van Gaal, former United manager.
United, without the injured Marouane Fellaini, found no places for Juan Mata and Rashford as Martial and Herrera won stars.
Liverpool had Roberto Firmino in for the injured Sadio Mane.
There was a special and emotional moment before kick off when the Centenary Stand at Anfield officially was renamed after Kenny Dalglish as the Liverpool legend made an appearance on the pitch.
It was a fast and frenetic start as is often the case in these fixtures, but lacking in quality.
United back their defence and midfield and it was clear they were playing to keep out Liverpool while may be nicking a goal at the other end.
Georginio Wijnaldum and Firmino had goal attempts in the opening 20 minutes, but neither troubled De Gea.
Nemanja Matic had United’s first opening on the half hour when his drive from 25 yards narrowly cleared the crossbar. It followed Ashley Young’s cross being headed out.
United received an almighty let off after 35 minutes when Firmino danced clear on the left and from his cross Matip’s shot forced a great flying save from the legs of De Gea. Salah, following up, fired wide when he ought to have hit the target.
But their only clear-cut chance of the game came shortly before half time when Lukaku broke clear only for Mignolet to make a super save. Ashley Young, following up, saw his effort blocked.
Liverpool had two good openings early in the second half when Firmino’s shot deflected into the side netting and Emre Can volleyed over from six yards after a cross by Joe Gomez eluded the United defence.
After that the game disappointingly fizzled out.
Mourinho, in fairness, threw on Jesse Lingard and Rashford midway through the second period, but they failed to make an impact as Liverpool were, for once, impressive defensively.
Liverpool also brought on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Daniel Sturridge and Dominic Solanke – three attaching players – but only from the 78th minute onwards and too late to make an impact and conjure a winner for the hosts.