FERGUSON POST MATCH

United created just one clear cut chance in a dour bore draw but Ferguson dismissed claims that United are already too far behind Chelsea.

“It is far too early to say Chelsea are the winners today. There are some difficult games coming up and ones like this will not be easy for them either, Fergie said.”

He added: “I thought we had enough of the ball to win it and we are always surprised when we don’t score. Maybe this game has become TOO important, which makes it difficult to relax. I remember the last 0-0 between us and it was as good as this one!”

Steven Gerrard agreed that the match is too important to lose for either team to actually want to win it: “There was so much at stake and two brilliant defences on show. We’ve not conceded a goal in the Premiership this season and they are great at the back with Rio Ferdinand back in the side. So that’s why it was a stalemate.”

So this is it then we play a tactical formation to protect the captain and gain a clean sheet. What happened to the high-scoring season Ferguson promised? Not to mention playing football the ‘Manchester United way’.