The much anticipated 183rd Manchester derby ended in a goalless draw behind closed doors at Old Trafford as both teams failed to convert the changes that would have made the difference.
Heading into the game, Manchester United needed some response after the sheer heartbreak and disappointment of their Champions League exit following the loss against RB Leipzig. A defeat to their City rivals was not an option.
With both teams searching for a breakthrough in the first half, Gabriel Jesus was off target while Riyad Mahrez pulled out a routine. Still, vital save from David de Gea with City’s best chances while Scott McTominay was agonizingly inches away from Victor Lindelof’s flick and Harry Maguire’s header narrowly flying off the crossbar.
Though it was mostly uneventful, in the second half, United thought they had a penalty when Kyle Walker fouled Marcus Rashford. Still, the decision was overturned by the referee as VAR revealed the United striker was offside.
Amidst missed chances and VAR calls, both teams hoped for more but had to settle for a draw, which leaves United seventh in the Premier League and City a place below them with their sixth successive clean sheet since losing at Tottenham in November.
