There were few chances for either side in a scrappy opening period, Andre Onana ending the half without having to make a single save. United’s best moment was a brief flurry of chances in the 37th minute when first Bruno Fernandes and then Joshua Zirkzee (twice) came close to giving Ruben Amorim’s side the lead.
Zirkzee lacks the requisite quality but not the character. Four days after his limp penalty gave Fulham victory in the FA Cup shootout, this was a laudable response to that disappointment. United fans serenaded Zirkzee jubilantly this time after his sorrowful send-off on Sunday. It was his second goal in 17 games and sixth for the club.