Fellaini boots the ball away and picks up a booking. United are happy to settle for a point here – which in truth they were set up for right from the first minute.
Rooney fails to track the run of Milner and the converted left-back whips a dangerous ball across the United area. Nobody manages to get a touch and it wriggles through to Clyne on the far side, whose shot is blocked.
Fellaini gets his head on a corner after being left unmarked by Liverpool at the set-piece, but he fails to get the direction on his effort and Karius watches the ball drift harmlessly wide.
@GaryLineker De Gea is absolutely marvellous, two outstanding saves. What a goalkeeper!!!
— Luke Jack Conlaund (@ConlaundLuke) October 17, 2016
65: 25 minutes remain. Battles all over the park
[0-0] #LFCvMUFC pic.twitter.com/y7nELbcutM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2016
Pogba catches Milner in a challenge and both players go to the deck, forcing a stoppage in play. There was no hint of a foul and the visitors are allowed the chance to resume the game once both are back on their feet.
Bringing on Lallana has transformed Liverpool. They look a different team now, finding pockets of space in the final third and playing much more like the team who have everyone excited about their potential. The reaction of Mourinho on the touchline tells the story: he was sat quietly, but in the last five minutes he’s been pacing his technical area in concern.
It’s hardly surprising that Sturridge was withdrawn. His performance today was extremely lacklustre, but not out of keeping with the standard we’ve seen from him overall this season.
Rashford turns on the afterburners and leaves Milner trailing in his wake as the United wide man gets back to halt a Liverpool attack.
Karius gives the ball away needless with some poor distribution and is fortunate to see the offside flag raised when the loose ball is returned with purpose towards an unmarked Ibrahimovic in the penalty area.
Liverpool 0-0 Man United HT:
Shots: 2-5
Possession: 58%-42%
Chances created: 2-3
Pass accuracy: 82%-78%
Fouls: 4-8Very scrappy. pic.twitter.com/7RKQh7G3O1
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 17, 2016
It’s 0-0 at half-time, and not much to get excited about…#LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/dhgKz7XOfl
— PA Dugout (@PAdugout) October 17, 2016
PICS: Herrera and Ibrahimovic have both been heavily involved so far this evening. #MUFC #LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/niVsIVnGVf
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 17, 2016
Rashford whips in a peach of cross that Karius manages to push clear away from the waiting Ibrahimovic.
Zlatan catches Matip, but again it’s just a foul and not worthy of the booking that the Kop are appealing for.
Marcus Rashford and James Milner waste no time getting stuck in.
A handful of fouls but no cards yet. pic.twitter.com/52Q1jSPB3G
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) October 17, 2016
United win a free-kick and Ibrahimovic is standing over it and looking at a shot from goal… which is pretty optimistic given the 40-yard range.
Anfield under the lights makes for a terrific atmosphere, as the tired old cliche goes. The volume is pretty loud at the moment, but there’s been little action of note on the pitch so far.
Rashford catches Milner and the Anfield crowd are up in arms… but there wasn’t much in that and the referee awards just a free-kick after giving the youngster a quick talking to.
United, kitted out in all-blue (as you’d expect on ‘Red Monday’), get the game underway.
The players are in the tunnel and we’re rapidly approaching kick-off. Hold on to your hats!
Credits: EuroSport