By David Hobbs
August 30 2004

Manchester United had to settle for a second successive draw at Old Trafford earlier today against Merseyside outfit Everton, despite hitting the woodwork on three occasions. This goalless draw follows Saturday's 1-1 draw with local rivals Blackburn Rovers.

United Held at Home by Everton

Manchester United had to settle for a second successive draw at Old Trafford earlier today against Merseyside outfit Everton, despite hitting the woodwork on three occasions.

This goalless draw follows Saturday's 1-1 draw with local rivals Blackburn Rovers and now have therefore picked up just 2 points in 2 games - that's not the form that can win a Premiership title.

Sir Alex Ferguson sparked some confusion with his choice of team. Ryan Giggs was surprisingly left out of the XI and only found a place on the bench whilst Darren Fletcher and Kleberson started in midfield.

David Moyes' Toffees were without arguably their best 3 players in Joseph Yobo, Thomas Gravesen and Wayne Rooney, who is reportedly discussing terms with the Red Devils, and still managed to claim a point at Old Trafford.

Both sides looked tired and exhausted following Saturday's games and the first half lacked quality from the respective sides.

Louis Saha had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the first period but headed wide from Kleberson's cross.

The Brazilian was in the thick of things once again and nearly teed up a free Alan Smith in the box but had his cross well intercepted before his own effort that was held by Nigel Martyn.

Cristiano Ronaldo hammered the post in the second half, beating a solid Nigel Martyn but not the woodwork with his attempt.

Alan Smith nearly converted a cross but Lady Luck wasn't on United's side and bounced off the woodwork, yet again.

Third time lucky? Nope. Paul Scholes also had his shot slammed against the woodwork.

United were incredibly unlucky not to grab a winner but must look forward to getting something from Bolton Wanderers in 12 days time.

Full time - Manchester United 0 - Everton 0 

United: Howard, Gary Neville, Silvestre, O'Shea, Spector, Fletcher, Scholes, Kleberson, Ronaldo, Smith, Saha.

Everton: Martyn, Hibbert, Weir, Stubbs, Pistone, Osman, Watson, Carsley, Kilbane, Cahill, Bent.