After the international break, the footballing world was rejoicing over the return of domestic football to television screens.

However, after 90 minutes of the highly-anticipated Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, they were likely crying out for the return of the World Cup qualifiers. 

The spectacle at Anfield was yet another dull instalment of a fixture which has got nowhere close to reviving the halcyon days of David Beckham and Steven Gerrard in the early 2000's.

Jurgen Klopp's side probed Jose Mourinho's outfit but in the end, they never really looked like penetrating.

One truly world-class save from David de Gea was the highlight of the game, with the Red Devils boss displaying yet another rendition of his famous 'parking the bus' tactic.

It has paid dividends over the years but in truth, it is not the entertainment factor you associate with United.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, they were a joy to watch, sweeping aside all the came up against them. But, one time, the legendary Scottish manager opted to shut up shop in order to gain a positive result.

The opponent? Mourinho's Real Madrid in the 2013 Champions League quarter-final.

Los Blancos were a formidable outfit with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria at the peak of their powers.

Danny Welbeck scored an early goal to put the visitors into an unlikely lead and Fergie decided to 'park the bus' at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo did equalise, but it was a great result for United.

However, after the game, Mourinho reacted in the most beautifully ironic way to Fergie's pragmatism. Take it away, Jose.

"They came here to defend and not to concede goals or space. They didn’t play to win," Mourinho sniped.

"We have players of great potential and we can score goals. I don’t feel pressure. At Old Trafford we have the perfect conditions to win."

Fergie really perfected Jose's 'Plan B'.

To be fair, Mourinho's United have started the season a lot more positively than last in terms of going forward.

On a number of occasions, the Premier League's second placed side have dazzled, with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial turning in some brilliant displays.

But, their lack of ambition in their first real test of the season is classic Mourinho.

With Pep Guardiola's exciting Manchester City side blowing every calibre of opposition away, the self-proclaimed 'Special One' has a way to go to win over neutrals hearts.