Utd Kids Wife

United’s attempt to capture a record 4 league titles in a row took another damaging blow as they were held 0-0 at Blackburn Rovers.

With man of the moment Wayne Rooney out injured, United lacked sparkle and guile required to break down a determined Rovers side at Ewood Park.

Antonio Valencia missed a great chance late in the first half, and Berbatov likewise with 10 minutes remaining, but otherwise the visitors were restricted to long shots and half-chances.

United enjoyed over 60 per cent possession but it was what they did (or failed to do with that possession) that mattered.

The main surprise in Uniteds’ starting lineup was the exclusion of Patrice Evra for the first time in the league this season.

Up front, youngster Federico Macheda got the opportunity to play alongside Berbatov in front of a attacking midfield. Wingers Nani and Valencia were joined by veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Although United enjoyed the majority of possession they were wasteful with Nani being one of the main culprits. His shots and crosses proved to be amiss most of the time.

Berbatov and Macheda jelled relatively well, but found space in the home box hard to come by.

Valencia should have broken the deadlock three minutes before the break when found by a great Berbatov through-ball. He spun past his marker to go clean through, and tried to hoodwink the keeper but Paul Robinson stopped his shot with his leg.

Rovers came into the game having won 16 points out of a possible 18 in their last six home games and showed exactly why they are so hard to break down, even when they themselves where not exactly on top form.

They defended in numbers and no one from Uniteds’ squad was up for the challenge of breaking them down.

United poured forward as time ran down, but still failed to test Robinson properly.

United are still only one point off the top yet have played a game more than both Chelsea and Arsenal. The chances of Chelsea slipping up twice in their last five games look extremely remote to help United win a fourth consecutive title.