A tense half at Ewood Park saw Blackburn keep a visiting Manchester United at bay to keep the score level at the break.

Whilst Rovers have yet to find their rhythm, a string of venomous chances on goal almost saw the home side take the lead but for United keeper David De Gea. However, with the Reds the more dominant side, Blackburn will have to be on the attack to pull off a result.

With Rovers sitting outside of the drop zone only on goals scored and United looking to open a crucial five-point gap over second-place Manchester City, three points tonight could be crucial for either team.

Early on United looked to test Rovers’ back-line after a lofted cross from Rooney was met with a nervous header from Grant Hanley. Luckily for Blackburn Javier Hernandez scuppered the shot as he looked to get behind the two centre-backs.

Signs of United’s dominance began to emerge as Rovers couldn’t seem to break out of midfield.

However a rare break saw in-form Junior Hoilett beat the lagging Michael Carrick to fire off a shot at the United goal on the seventeenth minute. With the ball heading for the top corner, David De Gea as forced into an acrobatic effort to deny Rovers the opener.

As play began to open up the Canadian was beginning to force the Red Devils on the defensive as he looked to unleash another effort on goal.

Paul Robinson was soon kept on his toes as a corner from Rooney soon fell to Jonny Evans at the back post. With the Irishman looking for a simple tap-in the Rovers keeper reacted quick to keep the scores level.

As the half wore on though Blackburn were beginning to rue their lack of chances, as United began to bear down on them once again.

Steven N’Zonzi was lucky to escape a card after an apparent shove to the face of former teammate Phil Jones seemed to go unnoticed by referee Howard Webb.

With a tense final few minutes in the Blackburn half, Rovers swiftly returned fire with a brilliant volleyed shot from Marcus Olsson, quickly followed by a strong header from Hanley forcing De Gea to keep the visitors level once again.

But with Blackburn failing to find their pace in the game, things will definitely have to pick up for the home side in the second half if they are to gain the opener.