LONDON, Jan 8: Manchester United were held to a humiliating goalless draw by minor league Burton Albion in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday 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.

Meanwhile Fourth division Leyton Orient pulled off the shock of the weekend when they beat Premier League Fulham 2-1 in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

Orient, fourth in the league, led 2-0 at halftime after goals by Craig Easton and Joe Keith at Craven Cottage but had to survive a strong second-half comeback by their illustrious London rivals, who are 14th in the top flight.

Collins John pulled a goal back with an excellent finish five minutes after the restart but then blew the chance to save the game when his 69th-minute penalty was well saved by Orient keeper Glyn Garner.

Orient then held out for a famous victory to continue the reputation for upsets of the world’s oldest cup competition.

Fulham are the only Premier League side to be knocked out, although some face tricky replays after Saturday draws.

Middlesbrough were held 1-1 by minor league Nuneaton Borough, Everton also drew 1-1 at second division Millwall while Birmingham City were held goalless at fourth division Torquay.

European champions Liverpool came from 3-1 down to win 5-3 at second division Luton Town while Cup holders Arsenal beat second division Cardiff City 2-1.

The fourth round draw is made on Monday.

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