With all the talk of goals and free-flowing football, and Sky Sports’ cringe-inducing ‘Red Monday’ coverage, many had a sneaking suspicion Liverpool vs. Manchester United would be a damp squib. And that was indeed the case, as Jose Mourinho’s men nullified Jurgen Klopp’s flying Reds with a backs-to-the-wall performance reminiscent of when his Chelsea team killed the Merseysiders’ title hopes in 2013/14.

The 90 minutes at Anfield would not have been appreciated by lovers of goals, while tactical purists may have also found little to keep them going as Man United stuck resolutely to a back six when out of possession, with a further two holding midfielders in front, and played purely for the point - which, to their credit, they got.

However, result aside, it was a bleak night for the travelling fans (and those watching from further afield) and we at Football FanCast think there are some worrying trends emerging in the Red Devils' camp. With that in mind, here are FIVE…

Admission from Mou that his team’s not up to scratch

To travel to your biggest rivals and set up with eight men behind the ball is essentially an admission that your team cannot compete in a straight-up football match. For all the lauding and claims of the 90 minutes at Anfield being the latest ‘Mourinho masterclass’, many fans would have been frustrated to see the negative play on show and the sheer lack of willingness to even entertain attacking the Liverpool goal after a 20 minute flurry at the start of the game.

Indeed, the bulk of Man United’s shots were from distance, with the fear of losing the ball and being counter-attacked by their opponents clearly on their mind – surely a direct result of their manager’s pre-match messages and tactical approach to the game.

How long until key players become frustrated?

To send the world’s most expensive player out onto the pitch with the basic instruction of ‘run around a bit’ is disappointing to say the least. Man United’s formation was essentially eight men behind the ball when out of possession with Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic tasked with attempting to disrupt Liverpool’s backline. The Frenchman must be questioning what is going on, with the 23-year-old either shunted out of position to accommodate others or tasked with doing the hard yards rather than using his natural talent.

De Gea still the key man

Man United defended well as a team, but had it not been for two quality saves from David de Gea, their efforts would have been in vain. The Spaniard’s stop from Philippe Coutinho’s drive from distance may have made for better video footage, but it was his keeping out of Emre Can’s left-footed shot from inside the area that was key. The German’s effort came through a crowd of players and took a slight deflection, making the way the stopper got down low to keep it out truly special.

For all the money thrown at this Man United XI, to have the goalkeeper continue being the key man is a cause for concern.

Still some way off the pace

A loss would really have put Man United’s position in the ‘title race’ in jeopardy as Liverpool would have moved six points clear of them, but even a draw has done little for their cause. Indeed, the Red Devils trail leaders Man City and Arsenal by five points and sit seventh, below Everton, and have the likes of Southampton gaining on them. Monday night was an opportunity to haul themselves back into the running after rivals slipped up across the weekend, which makes the lack of ambition all the more concerning.

Tough run of fixtures

Man United face Fenerbahce (H), Chelsea, (A) and Manchester City (H) in their next three games over the coming week. Granted, only the middle match will have an impact on their league position, but Mourinho’s men desperately need momentum. Playing tough Turkish opponents and hosting their bitter local rivals in the cup will not be welcomed with open arms by the Manchester giants.