Manchester United and Manchester City played out a lifeless goalless draw at Old Trafford, a result that did little to lift the mood around either side and only reinforced the growing sense that both clubs are in dire need of change ahead of the summer transfer window.
While City managed to carve out two real chances through Omar Marmoush, the Egyptian forward was twice denied by Andre Onana, who stood firm in United’s goal. At the other end, United looked energetic in phases but once again lacked the finishing touch that has plagued their campaign.
The match began with early promise when Alejandro Garnacho was brought down on the edge of the City box by Ruben Dias within seconds of kickoff. Yet, as has become routine under Ruben Amorim, United failed to capitalize. Despite patches of impressive build-up play, particularly in the first half hour, there was little belief or execution when it came to finishing.
The closest United came to scoring arrived late in the game. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee got on the end of a Patrick Dorgu cross, but his close-range effort was palmed away by City keeper Ederson. Apart from that, half-chances were squandered — Garnacho mistimed a header, Dorgu hesitated and missed with his weaker foot, and Manuel Ugarte couldn’t stay balanced to finish at the far post.
United’s inability to find the back of the net is now a worrying trend — they’ve failed to score in 11 of their 31 league games this season. Rasmus Højlund, once again leading the line, was isolated and ineffective. Zirkzee’s brief spark offered a glimpse of what United lack: a clinical finisher who can convert half-chances into goals.
Though their attacking issues persist, United did manage to keep things tight defensively. Unlike their midweek loss to Nottingham Forest, this time the backline held firm. Onana, apart from one nervy moment flapping at a cross, was solid throughout. Even so, the draw keeps United lodged in the lower half of the table, with their worst-ever Premier League points total now virtually confirmed.
For City, the draw was equally damaging. They remain fifth in the league, just two points above Newcastle who have two games in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side, once comfortably atop the league, now face the very real risk of missing out on Champions League football.
Much attention was on Kevin De Bruyne, playing his final Manchester derby at Old Trafford after announcing he will leave the club at the end of the season. The Belgian showed flashes of his old brilliance, breaking forward with intent and playing clever passes in the final third. But age seemed to catch up with him in key moments. His early shot lacked power, a couple of attempted through balls were overhit, and a promising second-half effort was fired straight at Onana.
De Bruyne’s performance reflected City’s overall play — capable of moments of quality but far from their former ruthless selves. His farewell appearance in a derby summed up the state of this City side: a team in transition, unsure of its identity without its once-dominant engine.
One of the most touching moments of the day came before a ball was even kicked. United captain Bruno Fernandes led out seven-year-old mascot Bobby Moore from Belfast, the club’s first-ever wheelchair-using mascot. Fernandes had invited Moore to Old Trafford after seeing a viral video of the young fan celebrating a goal during a past derby. It was a poignant reminder of the joy football can still bring, even on a day where the action on the pitch failed to inspire.
As the season winds down, both Manchester clubs face uncomfortable truths. United must address their chronic scoring problems and overall squad cohesion. City, meanwhile, may need to begin a rebuild around a younger core, with key figures like De Bruyne approaching the twilight of their careers. One thing is certain: this derby delivered little excitement, but plenty of questions.
For More Related News;