Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester

Manchester, Apr 7: The highly anticipated Manchester derby between City and United ended in a goalless draw, with both sides failing to find the net in a match that lacked the spark typically associated with this fierce rivalry.

Despite the stakes, the match at the Etihad Stadium offered little in terms of attacking flair, with clear-cut chances few and far between. The encounter began with early promise as United’s Alejandro Garnacho was brought down just outside the box by Ruben Dias in the very first minute, resulting in a yellow card for the City defender. However, Bruno Fernandes’ ensuing free-kick was dealt with efficiently by the City wall.

From there, the tempo slowed considerably. City’s Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan missed the target with speculative efforts, while Kevin De Bruyne’s low strike was comfortably gathered by United keeper Andre Onana. Meanwhile, United’s forwards found it difficult to breach City’s disciplined defense.

In the second half, City attempted to up the tempo, with Omar Marmoush creating space and chances, including a smart layoff to Foden. However, the shot lacked conviction. Guardiola introduced Jeremy Doku in place of Foden to add attacking energy, but the match continued in the same cautious rhythm.

Marmoush remained City’s brightest spark, testing Onana with a dipping free-kick and a powerful half-volley, but the Cameroonian custodian stood firm. United’s Manuel Ugarte came close with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.

As the final minutes approached, United substitute Joshua Zirkzee almost sealed the win, but Ederson reacted with a brilliant save to preserve the deadlock.

With both sides unable to make the breakthrough, the match ended 0-0—a result that neither thrilled the fans nor settled the fierce local rivalry.