Not for the first time, Jose Mourinho emerged from Anfield having seen his tactical blueprint work to the letter, but on this occasion he had to thank goalkeeper David de Gea for administering another dose of frustration for Liverpool.
It was cagey, rarely exciting, and wholly lacking in controversy – much to the relief of referee Anthony Taylor – but a point at Anfield is always a valuable currency for any visiting team and with Chelsea to come at the weekend and a League Cup tie against Manchester City next midweek, Manchester United will regard this as a point gained.