Manchester United held onto top spot in the Premier League after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker forced them to settle for a 0-0 draw, while Manchester City powered into second place with a 4-0 rout of Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had the better chances in a subdued clash between two of English football’s bitterest rivals.
lisson saved well from Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the second half, but neither side deserved to win.
United are two points clear of second placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and third placed Leicester.
Champions Liverpool are now a further point back in fourth.
United are top after the New Year for the first time since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 thanks to nine wins in a 12-match unbeaten run.
Leaving Anfield unscathed is a solid result as they chase a first title in eight years, but United might feel it was a missed opportunity to pile pressure on injury-hit Liverpool given their recent struggles.
It is the first time these two old foes have been involved in a title race together since 2009.
Jurgen Klopp’s team have now gone four league games without a win and are without a goal in their last three top-flight matches.
Collated English Premier League results on Sunday:
Liverpool 0 Manchester United 0
Sheffield United 1 (McGoldrick 59) Tottenham 3 (Aurier 5, Kane 40, Ndombele 62)
Manchester City 4 (Stones 26, 68, Gundogan 56, Sterling 88) Crystal Palace 0
