Manchester United came into their game against Liverpool five years to the day after last beating them at Anfield, and walked away with a 0-0 draw that keeps them two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
It was a game devoid of the attacking quality that has come to be expected of these two giants, especially with United having done so well in the league this term. However, this is another point that keeps Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men in the race for the title and to claim it at Anfield is noteworthy. Liverpool will regret their missed chances, but so will United.
Positives
There was a lot of good pressing in an attempt to disrupt to Liverpool's play and there was discipline in maintaining the defensive shape. This meant that the home side didn't create many chances, despite having most of the ball. Each member of United's back four can be very pleased with their performances.
Negatives
United struggled to do anything of real note on the ball for large periods of the game. They had flashes, but the Red Devils' passing wasn't good enough and they struggled to keep hold of the ball. The midfield was outclassed and overrun early on, while there was very little quality in United's attacking play.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Solskjaer made a strange call by rearranging the front three to include Paul Pogba ,and his team looked pretty negative in their play for most of the game. However, the defence was very strong and this is a point that keeps United top of the table so the Norwegian won't be too downbeat.
- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- ESPN+ viewer's guide: Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, FA Cup and more
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David de Gea, 6 -- Thiago's strike from range was the goalkeeper's biggest test of the game and he was equal to it.
DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 7 -- Stood strong in one-on-one battles whether he was facing Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane.
DF Victor Lindelof, 7 -- There were a few moments where the Sweden international was stretched but he showed good awareness overall.
DF Harry Maguire, 8 -- Made some really good blocks, including the one that denied Roberto Firmino.
DF Luke Shaw, 8 -- The left-back was superb defensively and was one of United's more threatening players, almost getting an assist.
MF Scott McTominay, 7 -- Looked slightly off the pace early on, but improved throughout the game and put in a lot of good work to disrupt Liverpool's play.
MF Fred, 6 -- Was inconsistent. There were periods where the Brazilian looked in complete control but others where he could hardly make a simple pass.
MF Paul Pogba, 5 -- There was plenty of eagerness in Pogba's play, but the decision-making behind his passing wasn't good. There were plenty of incidents where he went for a big pass when a simple one was the far better option. Also missed the best chance of the game late on.
MF Bruno Fernandes, 5 -- There were times where it was easy to forget he was on the pitch. Perhaps realising this, Fernandes looked like he was forcing it a bit too much at times.
MF Anthony Martial, 5 -- Had some aesthetically pleasing moments such as nutmegging Trent Alexander-Arnold but provided very little end product.
FW Marcus Rashford, 5 -- It's understandable that Rashford wanted to get behind the Liverpool defence, but he was caught offside far too often. Showed a slight improvement after moving to the left wing. Booked for a late foul on Jones.
Substitutes
Edinson Cavani, 6 -- Replaced Martial in the 61st minute and did his best with very little service.
Mason Greenwood, N/A - Replaced Fernandes in 89th minute and didn't impact the game much at all.