Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata, who also struck the post with a free kick, missed gilt-edged chances in both halves as a match of early promise petered out
Tottenham held a profligate Manchester United to a goalless draw in the lunchtime kick-off at White Hart Lane.
United had a string of chances in the first half, with Radamel Falcao twice shooting meekly at Hugo Lloris, Robin van Persie dallying on a chance which was well saved by the French goalkeeper, and a Juan Mata free kick which hit the post.
The visitors also had the ball in the net – just – but it was ruled out for offside after Falcao and Phil Jones were caught behind play.
Van Persie volleyed over the crossbar from close range from a Mata cross after half-time, and the Spaniard blazed over from a similar distance after 68 minutes.
Spurs rarely threatened the goal until the closing exchanges, with a long-range Christian Eriksen free kick perhaps their best effort before Ryan Mason burst on to a Harry Kane pass and blazed into the stands with eight minutes on the clock.
More to follow…