The rain fell relentlessly from the skies over Old Trafford. It fell on the rooves of the stands of the empty stadium and the monotony of its steady, heavy beat was mirrored by the predictability of a drab and dour game. This was a match that did not deserve a goal and no one on either team was able to find the inspiration to redeem it.
Maybe the result will be more pleasing for Chelsea and their boss Frank Lampard. They have been leaking goals this season so they will take satisfaction from this clean sheet and a fine performance from their new goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, who made three fine saves to keep his team level with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.