Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: United ride luck in Anfield stalemate

Manchester United played out a goalless draw away at Liverpool on Saturday, in a game that promised much but ultimately delivered little. It was a disappointing performance from José Mourinho’s men, who were left riding their luck for large parts of a lacklustre performance. If anyone deserved the points, it was the hosts.

Liverpool certainly had the better of a pulsating opening, the mazy dribbling of winger Mohamed Salah causing United near-constant problems. The Merseysiders were, however, unable to cap their breakneck start with an opening goal, and it took until past the half-hour before they drew a serious stop from David de Gea.

The Spaniard pulled off what will surely prove one of the saves of the season when Joël Matip diverted Roberto Firmino’s low cross goalwards, de Gea’s extended leg miraculously keeping the game goalless. The rebound fell kindly for Salah, though he fired wide from inside the area.

United looked rattled, and not without reason, though were given renewed hope a couple of minutes before the break. Romelu Lukaku had been having a poor game, though was presented with a great chance after a neat interchange with Anthony Martial on the edge of the penalty area. The Belgian’s finish was lacking, and Simon Mignolet made a save he shouldn’t have had the chance to make, but both sides trudged off at half time counting their blessings. There was no way of knowing which way it would turn.

Alas, it was the hosts who came out with renewed vim, driving United back deep into their own half. Absolutely nothing was sticking for Mourinho’s men, who struggled to offer Lukaku the requisite support up top. Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford were introduced in a bid to turn the tide, though Liverpool continued to create.

Through good fortune alone, United clung on to pick up a point — and, more satisfyingly, deny Liverpool two more.