Both sides had chances to win it, with Eric Bailly striking the crossbar early on and Lee Grant forced into a fine save after the break, but the match was another positive step in Jose Mourinho’s preparations for the new campaign.
It was a lively start from the Reds, who had a glorious opening after just five minutes when Alexis Sanchez’s inviting free-kick was headed against the bar by Bailly from a few yards out.
Mourinho’s men continued to press but were forced into a change three minutes later when Antonio Valencia picked up a knock. Matteo Darmian came on to replace him, with Chris Smalling taking over the captain’s armband.