Paul Simpson's first act as Carlisle's caretaker manager was to drop himself from the team.
But the former Wolves and Manchester City winger must have gained plenty of satisfaction from the Cumbrians' performance as they gained their first point of the season.
Simpson, who was Rochdale's player-manager last season, took the reigns at Brunton Park on Friday following the sacking of Roddy Collins after four straight league defeats.
He has made it clear that he would like the job on a permanent basis and Carlisle's players did his chances no harm with a committed and skilful performance.
Carlisle switched to a three-man defensive unit and the system worked so well that Cambridge did not have one shot on target in the entire ninety minutes.
Although Carlisle dominated possession and played some attractive football, they still lacked penetration and have now scored only once in five league matches.
Young winger Adam Rundle was at the heart of their best moves and saw one early drive turned away Shaun Marshall.
Former Leeds striker Craig Farrell shot over from the edge of the box as the home team continued to press.
Cambridge's lanky striker Dave Kitson was well shackled by the impressive Lee Andrews but he did escape to flash a header wide from a Stuart Bimson cross.
The U's created the best opening of the match at the interval but Daniel Chillingworth volleyed wide from ten yards.
After the break Cambridge defender Andy Duncan headed over from close range but Carlisle came closest to a winner when Mark Summerbell's 20-yard drive forced Marshall into a brilliant fingertip save.
Despite their wretched start to the season Carlisle looked to have more than enough quality to climb the table while Cambridge look a well organised unit who will be very difficult to beat.