Stalemate at Old Trafford as Manchester Derby Ends in Goalless Draw
Manchester United and Manchester City played out a cagey 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in the 196th edition of the Manchester derby, a result that did little to aid City’s pursuit of Champions League qualification and extended United’s indifferent Premier League campaign.
Despite a blistering start, the match quickly settled into a slow and uneventful rhythm. Alejandro Garnacho came close to winning a penalty inside the first two minutes after being brought down on the edge of the box, but referee John Brooks awarded only a free-kick, which Bruno Fernandes struck directly into the wall.
That early moment of promise set the tone for a derby that never quite lived up to its billing. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Manchester City seeing more possession but Manchester United threatening more regularly on the counter.
United’s left flank looked lively in the opening half, with young Argentine Garnacho and January signing Patrick Dorgu linking up effectively. Dorgu had a half-chance midway through the first period but fired over, while City’s Omar Marmoush saw a promising effort deflected by Harry Maguire.
City icon Kevin De Bruyne, playing in his final Manchester derby after announcing he would leave the club at the end of the season, had a quiet evening, with his only notable contribution a tame shot into the arms of Andre Onana. The Belgian’s illustrious 10-year stint with the Blues will end having delivered 16 trophies, 106 goals, and 174 assists in 413 appearances.
The second half brought a slight uptick in intensity. Phil Foden went through on goal early after the restart, but was denied by a last-ditch sliding challenge from Noussair Mazraoui. Moments later, City had their best spell of the match, as Marmoush forced two sharp saves from Onana—one from a long-range free-kick, another from open play.
Joshua Zirkzee, replacing the ineffective Rasmus Højlund, brought energy and urgency to United’s attack in the final quarter. The Dutchman nearly broke the deadlock after connecting with a Garnacho cross, forcing Ederson into a sprawling save.
Though both sides pressed for a winner late on, neither could find the finishing touch. It marked United’s first clean sheet at home since a 4-0 win over Everton in December, and City’s second straight draw after their faltering title defense.
After the match, City manager Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back when addressing derogatory chants heard during the game, allegedly aimed at Phil Foden and his family. “It’s a lack of class and integrity,” said Guardiola. “This isn’t about Manchester United as a club this is about people. It’s shameful.”
Guardiola also acknowledged the tactical difficulty his team faced. “It’s always hard against a 5-4-1. They defended narrow and deep, and we didn’t have enough to hurt them,” he admitted.
City remain fifth in the table on 52 points one behind fourth-place Chelsea while United sit in 13th on 38 points, a disappointing return for a side still searching for consistency under Amorim.
