UNITED secured the point they needed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League in a stalemate against Villarreal.

Nobody could muster a goal when the sides met at Old Trafford back in September, and it was the same story in the El Madrigal Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to scoring when his effort was tipped onto the crossbar while Villarreal, who also progress, had Joan Capdevila sent off for a challenge on Ronaldo.

Ronaldo was at the centre of most of the action for United, and he certainly showed no ill-effects from the ankle problem he suffered at Aston Villa.

For the fourth successive match these teams played out a goalless draw, although United looked the more assured of the two sides.

Villarreal carved out a good chance in the 17th minute and Tomasz Kuszczak had to show good reactions to beat away a shot from distance from Santi Cazorla.

Darren Fletcher had a decent chance with a 35th minute volley but again Diego Lopez was able to make a comfortable save.

United almost took the lead in the 41st minute when Rooney laid the ball off to Ronaldo with an exquisite touch. Ronaldo rattled in a goal-bound shot but Lopez got up well to turn his effort onto the bar.

Then a minute later Lopez again denied Ronaldo by turning his free-kick around the post in a good spell of pressure by United.

United kept up the pressure and Darren Fletcher found himself clear on the edge of the area in the 57th minute, only to drag his effort wide of the post.

Fletcher then released Rooney and his chip beat Lopez but went narrowly wide of the post, and when he did get an effort on target Rooney was thwarted by Lopez.

United almost took the lead in the 79th minute when Rooney’s cross took a deflection but Capdevila cleared off the line.

However, the Villarreal man was soon off the pitch having been sent off for a high challenge on Ronaldo as he tried to race downfield.

Despite being a man up, United had little time to make their advantage pay. However a draw confirmed both teams place in the next stage.