Underwhelming Manchester derby ends in stalemate

Manchester United and Manchester City played out an anticlimactic 0-0 Premier League draw on Sunday in a low-key derby that dealt a blow to City's bid for Champions League qualification.

Pep Guardiola's team are fifth in the table on 52 points, one behind Chelsea, and United are languishing in 13th place on 38.

With both sides struggling through difficult campaigns, neither created many clearcut chances, particularly in a drab first half at a sun-drenched Old Trafford.

The game picked up after the interval and City striker Omar Marmoush unleashed a blistering shot from 25 yards that forced United goalkeeper Andre Onana into a terrific save.

Joshua Zirkzee had United's best opportunity midway through the second half when he turned and struck a half-volley that forced City keeper Ederson into an outstanding two-handed save.

Pundits said the friendly post-game scenes were an indication of a lack of passion.

"I think the congratulations and love-in that I'm watching says both teams are happy with a 0-0," former United captain Gary Neville said on Sky Sports. "The best Man City and Man United teams would be very disappointed with the way they've approached the end of that game.

"It looks like it's Sunday afternoon and they're going to go for a roast dinner together now."

Former United midfielder Roy Keane agreed. "They get interviewed after as if a draw isn't too bad," Keane said. "A draw doesn't get you anywhere fast. This is not enough, this isn't good enough."

United manager Ruben Amorim shrugged off the comments with a smile. "I understand that Gary Neville is critical about everything," he said. "And then I understand that in the moment we are doing the worst (United) season in history. Manchester City who won everything in the past this season are struggling. So we are not in the best moments to give the best spectacle to every fan.

"And then when we are not fighting for the big things, of course, it's different. You have to look at the context of the game, and I understand the critical aspect of the players that played in this game in a different way (such as Neville and Keane), because they were fighting every time for the titles, so it's a different context."

The mood was not entirely convivial, however, with

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola unhappy about the boorish chants by United fans aimed at his midfielder Phil Foden. He, however, was not concerned about Champions League qualification.

"Eight games. Crystal Palace (their next game on Saturday). We go for it," he said. "I'd prefer to have 10 more points or 12 more points. In the previous season, there were five, six or seven games left, we were already fine, but it's what it is."