Marseille boss Didier Deschamps said before the game that three-times winners United lacked "fantasy" now names like Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo are long gone.
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"It was a disappointing game," United manager Alex Ferguson told ITV. "They made sure they weren't going to concede a goal. 0-0 can be a dangerous score but we will be better at home."
In a cagey opening period, United's Darren Fletcher had a good chance when his sharp effort was smartly saved by Steve Mandanda and Nani blazed over from a promising position.
Marseille enjoyed some good spells of possession without creating more the a couple of half chances. Former United defender Gabriel Heinze looked particularly keen to impress, making a few driving runs down the left, but Brandao's weak header was practically all they had to show for their increased endeavour in the second half.
Ferguson, who said before kick-off he feared Marseille's power and noisy fans, left Paul Scholes on the bench despite his injury-depleted squad but replacement Darron Gibson failed to impose himself and the former England midfielder replaced him for the last few minutes.
"Smalling was excellent," Ferguson said. "He gave a tremendous example of centre back play and he is getting better a
