ONLY one Manchester United legend walked away from this deadlock with his head held high - seventies superstar and now Reading manager Steve Coppell.

And even the most flint-hearted, scarlet-dyed United fan must have found some appreciation and respect in his heart for what Reading achieved at Old Trafford in the face of all reason.

The script was written for the season's opener. With Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool - the other members of the so-called big four - all stumbling to scrappy wins, the stage was set for United to blow their undistinguished visitors away with the attacking football which was a hallmark of last season's title win.

But it simply did not happen as Reading scrapped for everything, United's frustration became obvious and the loss of Wayne Rooney with a worrying foot injury reduced Red options greatly.

Even the 72nd minute dismissal of Reading sub Dave Kitson, on for just 45 seconds before he was red-carded for a rash lunge at Patrice Evra, could not break the visitors' resistance.

In the match programme, Sir Alex Ferguson endorsed the choice of Steve Coppell as Manager of the Year for hoisting Reading to eighth in their first Premiership season.

His words were borne out by first-half events as the Royals, knowing that they were on a hiding to nothing, set about their task with organisation and determination.

Scraps

As a result, the Reds were living off scraps, for all of Michael Carrick's enterprise, Rooney's work-rate and Cristiano Ronaldo's thrust. Chances arrived but were either hurried under pressure or fell victim to ring-rust.

Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann almost did not make the match after missing some of pre-season with a broken hand but he showed his worth when United finally did prise open a crack in the eager visiting defence. Not surprisingly it was Carrick who found the opening, easing a ball through to Rooney, but the scurrying striker was denied by the American keeper's dive at his feet.

But it was Michael Duberry's challenge as the two men stretched for the ball which may prove to be the real killer for the Reds.

The former Leeds defender trod on Rooney's ankle and, though he limped through the eight minutes until half-time, it was clear the injury was not minor.

At least that knock gave United fans their first look at new boy Nani, a substitution which caused a re-shuffle of the United pack. Still the Reds hammered away and on 55 minutes Evra missed a glorious chance when he blasted wide.

Just when United were starting to flag in terms of coming up with ideas to dismantle Reading's rock-solid rearguard, they were presented with an enhanced chance by the rashness of sub Dave Kitson.

The final act of the game perhaps summed it up as United won a free-kick 25 yards out and with 95 minutes on the clock.

Ronaldo breathed deeply, composed himself, the crown held its breath - and the shot sailed way over the bar.

Where did United go wrong against Reading? Have your say.