Manchester United held Liverpool to a frustrating goalless draw at Anfield to ensure they remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Neither side could find a way through in the first half, with David De Gea denying Joel Matip with a stunning low save before Simon Mignolet stood tall to save well with Romelu Lukaku clean through following a neat one-two with Anthony Martial. Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho both showed their frustrations on the touchline as the two teams lacked the quality in the final third after returning from international duty.
Emre Can put a gilt-edged volley over the bar from eight yards out, while United offered little to nothing for the whole of the second half as Lukaku became increasingly frustrated. It was only the second time United have dropped points this season. Mourinho usually adopts a cautious approach in big away matches and he reverted to type again, stationing Ander Herrera in front of United’s back four alongside Nemanja Matic and ensuring wingers Martial and Ashley Young screened their full backs behind them.
It was reminiscent of the 0-0 between the teams at Anfield 12 months ago – Liverpool controlling possession, United happy to stifle and hit on the counter-attack – but at least there was some genuine goalmouth action this time. De Gea’s save was stunning, sticking out his left leg to keep out Matip’s side-footed effort. Mohamed Salah then blazed the loose ball wide. Later in the first half and at the other end, Lukaku was denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet after the league’s top scorer finally found himself with space in the penalty box.
Lukaku started the day as the Premier League’s leading scorer yet, not for the first time, he failed to deliver against Liverpool. The powerful Belgium striker registered a shot on target – something he had not done in five of his past seven meetings against the Reds – when his compatriot Mignolet beat away his stinging first-half shot in front of The Kop.
The crowd noise was deafening for the early stages but it quietened as United become more comfortable toward the end of the first half. After the break, it was largely forgettable, although Liverpool remained on the offensive and looked dangerous whenever Brazilian pair Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho linked up. It is only one win in the last five league games for Liverpool, who missed the injured Sadio Mane.
