Man Utd0 - 0Man City

Old Trafford staged a closely-contested contest between two struggling top-flight teams who have performed well below the standards expected this season and who were unable to deliver much excitement across a disappointing 90 minutes on the red side of Manchester.

After announcing his decision to leave Man City at the end of the season, club legend Kevin De Bruyne began his farewell tour behind enemy lines, and the Citizens' finest artist was hoping to paint pictures in his 22nd and final derby for all those in sky-blue cheering him on.

However, Pep Guardiola's side found it difficult to break down Man United's deep and compact back five; local lad Phil Foden fluffed one of their better opportunities early in the second half while Andre Onana had to be alert to keep out a couple of well-struck shots from Omar Marmoush.

Man United posed the greater attacking threat throughout the match, with captain Bruno Fernandes at the heart of creating their opportunities, and they caught City out at times on the counter-attack, but - not for the first time - Ruben Amorim's side lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

A point apiece means Champions League hopefuls Man City remain fifth in the table, one point behind Chelsea in fourth and one point above Aston Villa in sixth, while Man United remain 13th and seven points behind the top half.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

It is fair to say that the only good thing about this afternoon's Manchester derby is that it is now over.

We were all hoping for some thrilling, end-to-end action and excitement from the latest instalment of United vs. City, but this lifeless contest felt almost like a pre-season friendly. The first 45 in particular was a non-entity, and there was very little change after the break.

Bot teams lacked quality, energy and intensity. They seemed to be obsessed with their shape and were frightened to give the ball away. No risks taken and deservedly no rewards received.

It became clear in the opening exchanges that this was an opportunity for United in transition against City's old boys in midfield who were just a yard slower than those in red. However, the Red Devils continue to fall short when they enter the final third, and the Citizens were not much better without the presence of Erling Haaland up top.

Both teams seemed pleased with a point apiece at full time, but overall, it was very disappointing for all those Man United fans who have paid high prices for tickets to watch mediocrity yet again, and very disappointing for all those travelling Man City supporters who had hoped to see their team send of a message to all their Champions League chasing rivals in the race for a top-five finish.

MAN UNITED VS. MAN CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Alejandro Garnacho chance goal vs. Man City (20th min, Man United 0-0 Man City)

From around eight yards out, Garnacho is unable to connect with Diogo Dalot's dangerous delivery from the right. The Argentine attacker is caught between a half-volley finish and a diving header, and he ultimately fails to achieve either.

Phil Foden chance goal vs. Man United (48th min, Man United 0-0 Man City)

Big chance for Foden! Man City see their best chance of the contest go begging as Casemiro's touch inside the penalty area puts Foden through on goal, but his first touch is a poor one and as he hesitates to take the shot, Noussair Mazraoui gets back in time and the scabby effort dribbles wide.

Omar Marmoush chance goal vs. Man United (65th min, Man United 0-0 Man City)

After being felled by substitute Victor Lindelof, Omar Marmoush stepped up to take the resulting free kick from 30 yards out and fires a well-struck shot towards the top right corner, but Andre Onana is there to palm it clear.

Omar Marmoush chance goal vs. Man United (68th min, Man United 0-0 Man City)

What a strike by Marmoush! A corner is cleared out to the Egyptian who wastes no time in smashing a 25-yard half-volley with plenty of velocity and vigour, but it flies straight at Onana who palms it clear again.

Joshua Zirkzee chance goal vs. Man United (68th min, Man United 0-0 Man City)

Patrick Dorgu picks out substitute Joshua Zirkzee with a low cross from the left, but Man City goalkeeper Ederson pulls off a terrific save high to his left to keep out the Dutchman's sweeping first-time strike with his left foot.

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRUNO FERNANDES

There were few standout performers at Old Trafford, and although Man United were unable to score, Bruno Fernandes was once again the one shining light for the Red Devils in midfield.

March's Premier League Player of the Month ranked first for chances created (three), final-third entries (five), crosses (seven), possession won (seven) and successful passes (39) throughout the 90 minutes.

MAN UNITED VS. MAN CITY MATCH STATS

Possession: Man United 41%-59% Man City

Shots: Man United 13-9 Man City

Shots on target: Man United 2-5 Man City

Corners: Man United 5-3 Man City

Fouls: Man United 13-9 Man City

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Man United will now turn their attention to the Europa League and will travel to France to take on Lyon in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday.

As for Man City, they have five full days to rest and prepare for a Saturday lunchtime kickoff at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Written by

Oliver Thomas