Referee Olegario Benquerenca attempted to nip this in the bud, however, issuing a yellow card to McGregor just before half-time as he sauntered across his area to place the ball for a goal-kick. In an attempt to disrupt this fledgling momentum, Rangers started to dawdle slightly on set-pieces. The shot flashed just wide of the Scotsman’s post, though he looked to have it covered. Despite being closed quickly by Lee McCulloch, Gibson smashed a pile driver towards the bottom right-hand corner that had McGregor stretching with a dive to his left. The 22-year-old midfielder received an infield pass 30 yards from goal, immediately setting sight on the Rangers goal. United slowly increased the pressure as the half continued, with Darron Gibson coming close to opening the lead. He tried to play the ball to his young strike partner, but Weir had made up ground on the pair and intercepted the pass, knocking the ball back to his grateful ‘keeper – much to the displeasure of the crowd. Hernandez had continued his run, and Rooney spotted the Mexican bursting into the edge of the box. The Englishman drove at Madjid Bougherra, who conceded ground as Rooney entered the penalty area. Although his pass was deflected, it found its way to Hernandez in the middle who quickly released Wayne Rooney to his right. Antonio Valencia intercepted a wayward pass and immediately attempted to chip the ball over the Rangers defence. The outcome was similar as United broke on the counter some minutes later. The crowd were growing impatient with United’s lack of attacking incision, as a sloppy pass by Ji-Sung Park was met by an audible groan from the Old Trafford faithful. Allan McGregor was scrambling, but the ball looped beyond his left-hand post and wide of the target. United replied with a header of their own in the 13th minute, Fabio da Silva whipped a high quality cross into the penalty area from the left wing that was headed goalwards by youngster Javier Hernandez.

Steven Davis crossed into the box from high on the left flank and it was met by David Weir whose tame header bobbled safely into the arms of goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

The first chance came to a Rangers player direct from a set-piece. The hosts struggled to find cohesion in the final third, however, with most moves breaking down before they could muster an attempt on goal. The Scottish champions set their stall out early by packing men behind the ball, making it difficult for United to penetrate their defence. United dominated possession in the early stages, content to patiently spray passes around in front of the Rangers defence.

The main incident in the game was a horrific leg break suffered by Antonio Valencia, as a United side with 10 changes struggled to create many clear scoring opportunities. Manchester United failed to break down a stubborn Rangers defence as they drew 0-0 in a drab Champions League encounter.

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