United frustrate Liverpool in disappointing derby

Liverpool, England (Reuters): A cautious Manchester United frustrated hosts Liverpool as a lacklustre North-West Premier League derby ended 0-0 on Saturday with neither side able to find the creative touch.

Manchester United’s David De Gea makes a save - REUTERS 

The draw leaves United alone at the top of the table on 20 points although Manchester City, who are now a point behind, can regain first place when they host Stoke City later on Saturday.

Those hoping for a classic blood-and-thunder clash of the two most successful clubs in English football were probably being overly optimistic but few would have predicted such an uninspiring 90 minutes at Anfield.

“Manchester United came here for a point and got it,” Liverpool manager Klopp said in a television interview.

“For sure you could not play this way at Liverpool but it’s OK for Manchester United,” he added.

United manager Jose Mourinho’s team selection suggested that, as last season, he would adopt a cautious approach to taking on Klopp’s side. Instead of Spanish craftsman Juan Mata on the right, the more defensively diligent Ashley Young started in the role and Marcus Rashford, carrying a slight knock from England duty, was left on the bench.

With United’s Romelu Lukaku left alone - and isolated - in attack and French forward Anthony Martial shunting up and down the left with little inspiration, United sat deep and waited to see what Liverpool could do with the possession.

The answer was not very much.

The result was only the third time Liverpool have kept a clean sheet this season but leaves Klopp’s side with just one win from their last eight matches in all competitions.

United have equalled their best points total from the first eight matches of a Premier League season, last achieved in 2012.