There was nothing to separate the teams as Manchester City's visit to Old Trafford to face Manchester United ended in a 0-0 draw in the Premier League. The 196th Manchester derby failed to produce the kind of performance expected from Pep Guardiola's side. The result also meant they failed to overtake Chelsea for fourth position, as the Blues had also drawn their game earlier.
Pep Guardiola opted for an experienced team in the Manchester derby. Kevin De Bruyne, in his first game after announcing his decision to leave the club, was in the starting lineup. Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovačić, and Phil Foden all returned to the first XI. Guardiola set up with a diamond in midfield, with Foden playing up top alongside Omar Marmoush.
The first half saw the home side start very sharply, but soon City gained control of the game. Despite having most of the ball, they never looked like scoring, whereas Manchester United came close to City’s goal at times. Phil Foden and İlkay Gündoğan had two decent attempts at goal, but they failed to hit the target as the first half ended goalless.
The second half continued in the same pattern. However, City failed to even match their first-half performance. They went close a few times through Omar Marmoush, but André Onana was up to the task. Towards the end, the home side increased the pressure in search of a goal after making substitutions. However, Ederson was there to keep them out, along with his backline, as the match ended 0-0.
Manchester City player ratings vs Manchester United (4-1-2-1-2)
Ederson – 7/10
Did brilliantly to keep the ball away from United attackers when they attempted crosses. Brilliant save to stop Zirkzee in the second half. Overall, a good game.
Matheus Nunes – 6.5/10
Did well to head the ball away and keep Drogu away from a dangerous Fernandes cross just before the hour mark. Made good recoveries.
Rúben Dias – 7/10
Received an early yellow card for stopping Garnacho's dangerous run in the opening seconds, yet was at the top of his game afterward. Had the most touches and made the most passes, as well as the second-most final third passes in the match. Won the most duels.
Joško Gvardiol – 6.5/10
Made the most clearances and blocks in the match. Constantly had to deal with United's attacks coming down his side.
Nico O'Reilly – 6/10
Did well in attack whenever he went forward. Had the most touches in the box among his teammates. Lost the most duels in the match. A decent game considering left back is not his preferred position.
Mateo Kovačić – 6/10
Started at the base of midfield. Pressed well. Made the most final third passes.
İlkay Gündoğan – 5.5/10
Came close with a low-driven shot that went wide in the first half. Did not have much influence in the game.
Bernardo Silva – 6.5/10
Did well defensively. Made the most recoveries among the outfield players. Won the most tackles and the second-most duels in the match. Made the third-most final third passes.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6/10
Started as the #10 behind Foden and Marmoush. Lost the most duels in the match. Even though it wasn’t his best performance, there was clear effort from him to influence the game.
Phil Foden – 5.5/10
Started in the front two on the right. A decent try in the 10th minute marked City's first attempt. Had a chance early in the second half but failed to connect properly. Was taken off before the hour mark after another disappointing outing this season.
Omar Marmoush – 6/10
Started on the left of the front two. Could not do much in the first half as he was well blocked. Had a decent attempt from a free kick in the second, but it was saved without much trouble by Onana. A few minutes later, he hit a superb shot, but it was directly at Onana, who kept it out.
Sub: Jérémy Doku – 5.5/10 (On 57’ for Phil Foden)
Did well to hold off Mazraoui a few minutes after coming on. Made Dalot pick up a yellow card after putting arms on him while trying to stop him. Couldn’t help the team find a goal.
Sub: Jack Grealish – 5/10 (On 74’ for İlkay Gündoğan)
Failed to have any influence on the game.
Sub: Rico Lewis – 5.5/10 (On 74’ for Nico O'Reilly)
Good block to stop Mount’s effort. Was solid after coming on.
Manager: Pep Guardiola – 6/10
Gave preference to experience in the Manchester derby. His team never looked like they were on top of the game despite having possession. His substitutes failed to make an impact. Lost the chance to move into fourth place in the table. However, he will be pleased with the clean sheet and defensive display.