Wayne Rooney had an alibi for this latest Manchester United disappointment. If the home side’s play was slow and boring, lacking conviction in front of goal, it clearly could not be their injured captain’s fault. This could have been the day when United overtook their neighbours in the top four; instead it was another letdown.

The home wingers displayed an early confidence but soon lost it, the midfield passing was predictable and frequently inaccurate, Anthony Martial was as uninfluential as Rooney has been. Manchester United have now drawn their last three games and scored one goal in the process, so good luck to them on Tuesday night with their must-win game at Wolfsburg.