Manchester United had Roy Carroll to thank for keeping them on course for the knockout stages of the Champions' League following a goalless draw with Sparta Prague.
The Northern Ireland international goalkeeper pulled off a string of impressive saves either side of half time as United warmed up for Sunday's must-win Premiership showdown against Arsenal in less than impressive fashion.
Sir Alex Ferguson was denied the services of captain Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand, but recalled Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Liam Miller to the starting line-up following the disappointing goalless draw with Birmingham City at the weekend.
But despite the impressive array of firepower at their disposal, United flattered to deceive in the first period and Sparta should have been ahead in the 24th minute when Lukas Zelenka steamed into the area only to drag his angled shot wide of Carroll's far post.
The let off seemed to spur United into life and Rooney, who scored a hat-trick on his Champions' League debut in the 6-2 drubbing of Fenerbahce two weeks ago, came within inches of both uprights in quick succession after smart play by both Scholes and Gabriel Heinze to set up the sprightly teenager.
But rather than continue on the front foot the visitors had Carroll to thank for clawing away a rising shot destined for the top corner from United old-boy Karel Poborsky.
And on the stroke of half-time big defender Jiri Homola rose above Wes Brown and powered a header against the crossbar.
United stepped up the pressure in the second half, but again had Carroll to thank for keeping them in the game when he blocked a close-range effort from Tomas Jun after Mikael Silvestre was easily brushed aside with 70 minutes on the clock.
But United could have snatched it at the death only for substitute Ronaldo to mis-kick on the back post with the goalkeeper stranded after an excellent turn and cross by Ruud van Nistelrooy.