Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Man United must 'take a step or two back before we move forward' - this is still their worst start since 1986... so where do they go from here?
* Manchester United were the better side in their draw with Liverpool on Sunday
* United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won his tactical battle against Jurgen Klopp
* Solskjaer will have been buoyed by the performances of his younger players
* United will improve even more when Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw return to play
Depending on how you look at it, Manchester United's draw with Liverpool was a demonstration of real potential from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side or another two points dropped in what has been a frustrating season.
'There is a process that will require us to take a step or two back before we move forward,' Solskjaer acknowledged in his programme notes for Sunday's game at Old Trafford, and once again United showed they are a team capable of moving in both directions.
The 1-1 draw could be a platform for them to build for the rest of the season or another false dawn. Sportsmail assesses the ups and downs...
Solskjaer nailed his tactics
Overall, United were the better team against the European champions and Premier League leaders who surrendered their 100 per cent record despite Adam Lallana's late equaliser.
Solskjaer edged the tactical battle over Jurgen Klopp, pinning Liverpool's marauding full-backs in their own half for much of the game by playing three centre-backs and pushing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Ashley Young further forward.
He also caused Liverpool's defence problems by deploying Marcus Rashford and Dan James in wide positions up front. Their pace and work-rate was key for United and led to Rashford's goal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won his tactical battle against Jurgen Klopp at Old Trafford
Youngsters impressing
The green shoots of what Solskjaer is trying to cultivate at United – a younger, more vibrant team built around predominantly British players – was evident.
Besides the performances of Rashford, James and Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire marshalled the defensive effort and Scott McTominay provided drive from the base of midfield.
Andreas Pereira also excelled in the No 10 role and there was even a more encouraging display from his fellow Brazil international Fred.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was one of several United youngsters who impressed in Sunday's derby
Fitness crisis easing
The injury crisis that has hung over Old Trafford in recent weeks is beginning to clear.
Anthony Martial made his comeback off the bench after eight weeks out with a thigh injury and will take some of the burden off Rashford.
Wan-Bissaka is fit again after a bout of tonsillitis that kept him out of the previous three games and international duty with England, while David de Gea played in goal despite concerns the groin strain he suffered playing for Spain might keep him out for a few weeks.
The return of Anthony Martial as a second half substitute is a big boost after injury crisis
Solskjaer has the backing of the board
Ed Woodward's backing for Solskjaer before the game has given the Norwegian valuable breathing space as he continues to reshape this squad.
Results will always dictate the mood at a football club and no manager is bullet-proof, but at least Solskjaer knows there is understanding at the top of the club that the project will take time.
Ed Woodward's backing of Solskjaer has given the Manchester United boss breathing space
Still work to be done
For all the positives United can take from the game, a draw means it's their worst start since 1986 when Ron Atkinson was sacked and replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.
They are 13th in the table after a quarter of the season below Burnley, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, and their next league game is at Norwich where Manchester City came unstuck last month.
It was the fourth time in the Premier League this season that Solskjaer's side have failed to protect a one-goal lead.
Wolves, Southampton, Arsenal and now Liverpool have all fought back to draw 1-1 with United, who couldn't even close out a victory against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup without penalties.
They did manage to snatch a late equaliser of their own against Crystal Palace but almost immediately conceded a winner at the other end.
Despite an improved display, United still have much work to do after an awful start to season
United not yet at full strength
United are still without Paul Pogba whose right foot remains in a protective cast as he looks set to be sidelined until next month.
The Frenchman can be erratic but he is too great a talent not to be missed. His only contribution during a three-game absence has been to reignite speculation over a move to Real Madrid by being pictured in conversation with Zinedine Zidane.
Although United's injury situation is improving, Luke Shaw has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring problem and is undergoing a warm-weather rehabilitation programme in Dubai where he will be joined by Nemanja Matic.
Axel Tuanzebe is also being assessed after pulling out of Sunday's game just before kick-off with a hip injury sustained in the warm-up.
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