Soccer: Man Utd held by minor league Burton

Glamour side Manchester United were held to a humiliating goalless draw by minor league Burton Albion in the third round of soccer's FA Cup today as Alex Ferguson's policy of playing a weakened team backfired for the second year running.

United, winners of the Cup on a record 11 occasions and runners-up last season, fielded only a handful of first team regulars and looked distinctly ordinary on a sandy, bumpy pitch against a spirited Conference side.

A year ago a weakened United were held 0-0 at home by Exeter City before recalling their big names to win the replay 2-0 and they might have to do the same after a toothless display.

Only after the introduction of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo for the last 30 minutes did United look dangerous but Burton keeper Saul Deeney was equal to their efforts and also made an excellent save with his feet to keep out an injury-time Ritchie Jones shot.

- REUTERS