Manchester United returned from the international break with a midweek defeat against Nottingham Forest, suggesting that any building of momentum prior to the break was halted instantly on the return of club football. Despite the loss, United showed a sense of progress in their system and setup as the players become accustomed to the Amorim approach and while there are still many areas to improve, the performance could be seen as progress.

To try and rectify the recent loss, United had a chance to boost their confidence and momentum prior to the crucial Europa League game on Thursday, as they hosted their rivals Manchester City. With the 2 teams underperforming by their own standards this season, this was a derby with little on the line other than local pride, and perhaps the lack of desire and determination showed in the displays from both teams.

The game itself will probably go down as one of the dullest derby games between the 2 sides for a long time, and we’ve seen some incredible moments in recent years, but this game had people even questioning football in general in the modern day. With neither team wanting to push on for an advantage, United could have (and should have) claimed a big comfortable victory over a huge rival, but a lack of cutting edge and real desire to make the opposition pay, meant the game had a testimonial feel rather than a local derby clash.

The result doesn’t do too much for either side, as United’s eggs are fully in the Europa League basket, and despite the dream of a top half finish still being alive, the only saving grace for this season remains in Europe. For City, their top 4/5 hopes are being dashed by the week, as those in the chasing pack are hitting a run of form at the right time, while City continue to hit hurdles and stumble along the season.

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Teams

United’s injury woes continued into this game, with 7 players out through injury. On a positive point, United was able to include Luke Shaw to the bench for the first time in a long time, while Mason Mount’s recovery continued to show as he was brought on for the last 20 minutes. With a stretched squad, United’s bench was still half-formed of youngsters eager to make an impression if called upon.

Overall the setup was largely as expected, with the back 3 being bolstered by Yoro and Maguire featuring from the start, although Maguire didn’t make it to the 60 minute mark. Casemiro’s improved performances of late meant Amorim was able to keep him in the action for the full 90, while Hojlund’s issues in front of goal meant he was withdrawn after 71 minutes to try and freshen up the attack.

For Manchester City, the situation was very similar, with 5 players missing for them, they had the mixture of youth and age as O’Reily started on the left of the defence, while Kevin de Bruyne led the way in the midfield in his first appearance since the announcement that he would be departing City this summer. With no Haaland, Foden and Marmoush led the line in the flexible and fluid front 2 approach from Guardiola.

Manchester United: Onana, Yoro, Maguire (Lindelof 58′), Mazraoui, Dorgu, Ugarte (Mount 71′), Casemiro, Dalot, Garnacho, Fernandes, Hojlund (Zirkzee 71′)

Subs: Bayindir, Kukonki, Amass, Shaw, Eriksen, Obi-Martin

Leicester City: Ederson, O’Reily (Lewis 74′), Gvardiol, Dias, Nunes, Gundogan (Grealish 74′), Kovacic, Silva, De Bruyne, Marmoush, Foden (Doku 58′)

Subs: Ortega, Khusanov, Reis, McAtee, Gonzalez, Savinho

Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City

In a derby that historically has offered so much, Manchester United and Manchester City played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, marking the first scoreless derby since 2020, left both sets of supporters frustrated as clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout.

City, without their talismanic striker Erling Haaland due to injury, struggled to find their usual attacking rhythm. Kevin De Bruyne, in what will be his final Manchester derby before his anticipated departure at the season’s end, was unable to inspire the visitors.

The home side showed glimpses of creativity, particularly through Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho was involved in an early contentious moment when he was brought down by Ruben Dias just outside the penalty area, but appeals for a penalty were waved away. Joshua Zirkzee came closest for United, forcing a crucial save from Ederson late in the game.

Post-match reactions reflected the disappointment felt by both camps. Former United captain Roy Keane criticized the match as a “friendly derby,” due to the lack of intensity and quality on display. Gary Neville echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the cautious and robotic performances that have become prevalent, attributing it to over-managed strategies stifling creativity.

The draw leaves City’s Champions League aspirations in jeopardy, as they remain fifth in the Premier League standings with 52 points, trailing Chelsea. United’s underwhelming season continues under Ruben Amorim, as they sit 13th with 38 points. The result did little to appease the discontent among United supporters, who staged a post-match protest against the club’s ownership and rising ticket prices.

Talking Points

The 192nd Manchester derby will be remembered not for its drama, but for its lack of it. A flat 0-0 draw at Old Trafford saw both sides cancel each other out in a match devoid of the usual fire and intensity. With barely a handful of chances and an alarming absence of urgency, the spectacle drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. Roy Keane branded it a “friendly derby,” while Gary Neville spoke out against the lifeless nature of a game that once promised so much passion. Without Erling Haaland, City’s attack lacked bite, and United seemed unable to capitalise on promising moments.

For Manchester United, the stalemate was another painful reminder of their attacking woes. Joshua Zirkzee came closest with a late effort, but clear chances were few and far between. Despite some promise from Alejandro Garnacho and flashes of intent from Bruno Fernandes, United never truly threatened to break City’s disciplined back line. It’s now two straight league matches without a goal for United, and the pressure is growing on manager Ruben Amorim, who is still searching for a formula to reignite a misfiring frontline.

While the match offered little entertainment, the atmosphere in the stands told a different story. United fans voiced their growing discontent with protests aimed at the club’s ownership, and banners and chants demanding change. Discontent over rising ticket prices, moving season ticket holders to make for more hospitality, and perceived lack of ambition boiled over after full-time, with supporters lingering outside the stadium in protest and a decent amount of fans taking part in a ‘sit-in’ post-match. Meanwhile, post game Pep Guardiola had criticised United fans for their chants directed towards Phil Foden as he was withdrawn, the only real moment in the game which offered a ‘derby-like’ spark to the clash.