It was a frustrating night for United and Arsenal as they were both held in their opening Champions League games.

Ronaldo returned as expected, but failed to break the deadlock as Villarreal put up a stubborn defence at Old Trafford. Over in Kiev, Gallas was the hero as he forced home a late equaliser for Wenger’s men.

Here’s the notes…

Ferguson made a string of changes to the side that lost at Anfield. Evans and Neville came in for Brown and Vidic in defence – no doubt with the Chelsea game in mind which Vidic will miss through suspension. In midfield there were wholesale changes with Park, Fletcher, Hargreaves and Nani making up a new quartet. Tevez and Rooney were partnered up front at United went with a more conventional 4-4-2 as opposed to the fluid system employed at Anfield. Berbatov missed the game with a knock to his knee sustained in his debut – he’ll be a slight doubt for the weekend as a result, particularly as Ferguson now has Ronaldo back in his Arsenal.

The winger emerged to a rapturous welcome on the hour mark and provided his usual array of sparkling skill – almost providing the winner with a cross for Evans that saw the centre-back strike a post. It seems likely that Ferguson will start Ronaldo on the bench at the weekend – although he did look sharp enough for a starting role – Ronaldo’s stamina and ability to last 90 minutes, even after injury, is difficult to question.

While we’re on the subject of Ferguson’s side for the Chelsea game – at the back, either Evans or Neville will likely start with Vidic banned – I’d opt for Neville at this stage with Brown moving to centre-back alongside Ferdinand.

Over in Kiev, Wenger was far more reserved with his team changes – making just one with Song coming in for Eboue who dropped to the bench. He saw his side create plenty of chances, particularly in the first half, but he will be grateful to return home with a point after a disappointing second half showing which eventually brought the equaliser for Gallas via a Walcott cross.

Little to glean from this in terms of Wenger’s selection for the weekend. Walcott started once again and was on the end of some rough challenges. He is due a rest then as it’s likely that Bolton won’t give him or Arsenal an easy ride. However, with Nasri still doubtful for a return in that game, Wenger may have limited options. If Nasri makes it, I can see Theo being rested to the bench. Bolton would be his fourth game in a week – I’m not so sure that Wenger will put him through that after another physical encounter last night.