Player ratings: Manchester United miss opportunity to defeat lacklustre Manchester City in goalless derby

‎Manchester United squandered a prime opportunity to secure a derby win over a lacklustre Manchester City, with the match ending in a disappointing 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. Despite being the more dominant side throughout, United lacked the clinical edge needed to break down their neighbours and complete a crucial double over them this season.

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‎Manchester United fail to capitalize on Manchester City's weakness in goalless derby.

‎Getty Images Sport 

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‎United looked the more positive team, displaying better attacking intent and creating more opportunities, but their finishing left much to be desired. Striker Rasmus Hojlund, in particular, was ineffective in the final third, failing to make his presence felt in key areas. His display was yet another example of missed potential, as the Danish forward remained anonymous in a game that demanded a decisive touch.

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‎Wing-back Patrick Dorgu also had a frustrating evening. On several occasions, he found himself in promising attacking positions but failed to capitalize, miscontrolling the ball on one occasion and firing wide on another. His lack of composure in front of goal cost United the chance to put the match beyond City’s reach.

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‎Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho were the standouts for United, injecting energy and creativity into the attack. However, despite their lively contributions, the team’s overall lack of cutting edge prevented them from securing all three points. This result means United have now only gained one point from their two matches since returning from the international break.

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‎On a more positive note, United can take solace in the fact that they avoided defeat and emerged from the match unscathed, with no injuries to key players ahead of their upcoming Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon.

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‎Player Ratings

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‎Goalkeeper & Defence

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‎Andre Onana (6/10): Comfortable in goal, with his best moment being a diving save to deny Marmoush’s free-kick.

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‎Noussair Mazraoui (7/10): Battled hard at the back, consistently filling gaps and providing solid defensive support.

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‎Harry Maguire (5/10): A rusty performance on his first start in a month, with some shaky distribution, though he managed to contain City’s attack.

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‎Leny Yoro (6/10): Tested by City’s forwards, with mixed results in his passing but some good moments carrying the ball forward.

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‎Midfield

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‎Diogo Dalot (6/10): Defensively sound and created a good chance for Garnacho with a well-placed cross.

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‎Manuel Ugarte (5/10): Disjointed in his passing and tackling, though he did come close with a powerful shot from distance.

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‎Casemiro (6/10): Solid in midfield, cutting off City’s attacks and spreading play effectively, though his opponents lacked intensity.

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‎Patrick Dorgu (4/10): A disappointing performance, missing key opportunities and leaving Kevin De Bruyne with too much space on the wing.

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‎Attack

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‎Bruno Fernandes (7/10): Orchestrated United's offensive moves, frequently dropping deep to link play, though his efforts were not converted into goals.

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‎Rasmus Hojlund (4/10): A quiet and ineffective performance, with little impact in the attacking third.

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‎Alejandro Garnacho (6/10): The most promising attacking player for United, creating dangerous moments but lacking the finishing touch.

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‎Subs & Manager

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‎Victor Lindelof (6/10): Came on for Maguire and provided a steady presence at the back.

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‎Mason Mount (5/10): Struggled to influence the game and received a yellow card.

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‎Joshua Zirkzee (6/10): Looked composed in his brief time on the pitch, linking up play well.

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‎Ruben Amorim (6/10): While the result wasn't a loss, it felt like a missed opportunity for his side to assert more dominance over their rivals.

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‎In the end, United's failure to convert their superiority into goals leaves a sense of frustration. Although avoiding defeat is a positive, the missed chance to capitalize on City’s struggles is a point of regret for Ruben Amorim’s side as they turn their focus to European competition.