Manchester United battled till the end in a Manchester derby that truly never got off the ground, as both sides walk away with a point in a game Roy Keane billed, the “friendly derby.”
Alejandro Garnacho broke through within the first minute with a chance that looked destined to give the home side the lead, but Manchester City managed to quell the fire just in time, keeping the game at 0-0. That would go on to be one of only two truly huge chances in the game.
The Blues took some time to get into the game, but even when they did, it was Manchester United who looked the more dangerous, having various counterattacking situations that could and should have ended up in goals. This continued on into the second half, although the away side did improve from the first, causing United some more issues.
Leny Yoro was a standout defensively for the home side all through the 90 minutes, as the French defender continues to grow in stature at the club. Diogo Dalot was impressive for a large part of the game, although he began to struggle when the powerful Jeremy Doku came on for City.
Neither team can truly claim that they deserved to win the game, but United will regret missing the early opportunities in the first half to try and defeat their noisy neighbours. The draw leaves the Reds 13th in the table, four points behind Brentford in 12th place.
Player ratings:
Andre Onana – 5/10
Largely untested and had little to nothing to do throughout the first half. Stopped a ravenous Omar Marmoush drive in the second, but all in all, one of the quieter evenings the Cameroon international has had at the club.
Diogo Dalot – 7/10
Seemed back to his old self the first half defensively and going forward. Delivered a top pass, which Alejandro Garnacho should have made 1-0. Had some issues when Jeremy Doku came on, but overall a performance that the fans and the manager can be happy with. Booked for a tackle on Doku in the second half.
Harry Maguire – 6/10
Battled well. Done what he needed to do when called upon. Part of an impressive back three pairing in the first 45 minutes. Came off after an hour in what looked like a preplanned substitution. United are happy to have him back.
Leny Yoro- 8/10
Arguably the best player on the park. Commanding and composed in possession, and assured when he had to defend at the same time. To perform with such quality at 19 years old in a Manchester derby is commendable. Looked unfazed throughout, particularly when driving into midfield with the ball. Booked for an important challenge on Omar Marmoush late on.
Noussair Mazraoui- 7/10
Similar to Maguire, he has done his job when needed. Calm in possession, composed out of possession. Really suits the center back position in a back three. Continued his form into the second half, and although he had similar issues to Dalot when Doku first came on, the Moroccan was a huge part of the Reds collecting a point.
Patrick Dorgu – 5/10
Not his best performance for United. Sloppy in possession and probably should have done more with the chance he had. Not much of an improvement in the second half, but there is a feeling he will explode once he gets used to the physicality of the Premier League next season. Much to build on.
Manuel Ugarte- 6/10
Battled admirably beside Casemiro in that compact 5-4-1. Made it difficult for City to break down the entire half. Clever in possession at times too. Came off for Mason Mount after an impressive second-half showing.
Casemiro – 7/10
Similar to Ugarte, a huge part of the difficulties City had. Looking more like his old self when profiled correctly. Won the vast majority of his duels and added a true sense of steel to the United side. A performance to be proud of, as he also won the most tackles in the entire game with seven.
Bruno Fernandes – 8/10
Not just the best player in the United team, but one of the best players in the entire world when in this type of form. City struggled to handle him in the first but did find it a bit easier to follow the Portuguese midfielder’s movements in the second. Despite this, he was still the most effective player on the pitch for either side and didn’t allow Kevin De Bruyne to have the last laugh on his final Manchester derby.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6/10
Battled well and caused danger but was still too frantic in the final third. Positive throughout, however, and caused City countless issues. His best attribute is how persistent he is throughout the game, no matter what minute or how many times he’s lost the ball. Once he adds that final touch to his game, he could be unstoppable, but it did cost United at times today.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5/10
Largely anonymous, bar his clever early pass. Needed to assert himself more but was unlucky with some of his movement being ignored. Hold-up play needed to be better, but this is a tough United team to play as a center forward in.
Substitutes:
Victor Lindelof – 6/10
Didn’t do much wrong after coming on for Harry Maguire. Decent in possession and solid defensively.
Mason Mount – 6/10
His energy is infectious when he’s in the team, and tonight was no different. Buzzed around the pitch with the jubilant nature of a player who has missed playing football. United will pray he can stay fit.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7/10
Very impressive cameo. Top hold-up play and unlucky not to score with a chance he had to dig out from underneath him. Has become a much better player for the team since that Newcastle substitution.
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