The much-anticipated meeting between Manchester United and Chelsea ended in anti-climax as Old Trafford witnessed its first goalless draw in the Premier League since May 2009.
David Moyes was taking charge of his first competitive home game since succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager, while Jose Mourinho had his sights sets on a third successive league win since returning to Chelsea.
In the end, despite an outstanding performance for United by the recalled Wayne Rooney, both Moyes and Mourinho had to settle for a point in the first blank scoreline here in 77 Premier League games, since United clinched the title against Arsenal in 2009.
Rooney was the game's most dangerous player and was vociferously backed by United's supporters throughout - as well as receiving vocal support from the travelling Chelsea fans who still hold out hope he can be lured to Stamford Bridge despite Moyes' insistence he would not be sold.
It was a game short on clear-cut chances and quality, with United's Danny Welbeck wasting the best opportunity when he shot wide just before the hour.
Mourinho will be happier with the point but there was frustration for Moyes, who would have hoped to make a winning start at Old Trafford as he starts the task of retaining the Premier League won by Ferguson before his retirement.
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