With both teams already through to the competition's next round, the game was no more than a formality as neither side showed enough desire to score.

United's best chance of the game came ten minutes from time. Wayne Rooney's cross was deflected towards the Villareal goal before Joan Capdevilla flew to head off the line.

Capdevilla turned from hero to villain on 82 minutes when he received his marching orders after a reckless tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the group's other game, Aalborg of Denmark secured a crucial 2-1 home win against Glasgow Celtic.

The Danes came back from a goal down scored by Celtic's Barry Robson, who brilliantly headed Mark Wilson's cross on 53 minutes.

In the 73rd minute, Brazilian striker Caca was lucky to see his long range take a deflection off Stephen McManus and bounce in the back of the net.

Three minutes from time, Gary Caldwell handed Aalborg the winner courtesy of an own goal.

United and Villareal are now joint leaders of Group E with nine points. Aalborg have now secured a UEFA Cup spot with five points in third place with Celtic in fourth two.