Manchester United vs Manchester City Summary

Manchester United put out a defensive masterclass at Old Trafford but suffered in attack in a 0-0 draw against Manchester City. Some would take that result going into the match. Especially because of what happened midweek. However, as City were so lethargic during the game, they were there for the taking and it could be argued United should have tried to win it. But I would argue that neutralising a score-happy City side and keeping ahead of them in the table is good enough for now. It will let United put this horror of a week behind them and move on to the tricky Christmas period.

Manchester United vs Manchester City Player Ratings

David de Gea 7/10

Solid performance. Looked far more confident with crosses and with his back line. A big save, albeit not difficult, to deny Mahrez. Must keep it up.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10

Looked nervy in the first half but turned it around in the second. Once again neutralised Sterling and took on Cancelo in the second half too.

Victor Lindelof 8/10

A bit nervy early on but did well for most of the game. Some good long passes but needs to improve with short distribution.

Harry Maguire 8.5/10

Excellent performance bar one moment. He could have given away a goal from another freekick late on but other than that he was exceptional. Great passing range too.

Luke Shaw 8.5/10

I was nervous about this one but proven wrong almost immediately. Dealt with Mahrez excellently and good corners too. May be swapped out for Telles midweek so as to not exert himself.

Scott McTominay 8.5/10

A lot of questions over his selection, especially after a rusty performance against Leipzig. He shone in the Derby yet again and bossed the midfield. Robust, energetic and his passing was excellent at times. Need more of this if he is to be a mainstay in the team.

Fred 9/10

Bossed the game. So badly missed against Leipzig. What could have been! He was amazing again and truly looks the player we hoped for in 2018. He will have to be tactically rested during the busy break and picked for the crucial games – in which he does flourish.

Paul Pogba 8/10

A lot of people were angry and/or surprised to see Pogba start but after his excellent cameo against Leipzig is anyone surprised? He was disciplined and creative, everything we want from him and more. Need to see it more regularly for sure but a good performance. Credit for his post match statement too, needed it earlier but better late than never.

Bruno Fernandes 7/10

Some good link up and both made good runs and fed them too. Slightly wasteful with his chances or perhaps unselfish at the wrong times. Think he should have come off as he looked tired towards the end but I fully expect him to be rested against Sheffield United.

Mason Greenwood 6/10

His passing was excellent and his linkup with Wan-Bissaka was brilliant. I saw a Tweet earlier today saying Greenwood is not a big game player yet and I have to agree. He was wasteful with his chances and failed to make them count.

Marcus Rashford 5/10

Unlike Greenwood, we barely saw Rashford in the game. He made some good runs but his touch let him down twice. Looks jaded and will need to be protected during the busy winter period.

Substitute…

Anthony Martial 5/10

Barely remember he was on the pitch.

Man of the Match: Fred

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 7.5/10

I think it was the right decision to lineup the way he did. He had to smother the City midfield otherwise United could have been battered on the counter. Could not afford to lose but I do think maybe Donny could have come on for a clearly tiring Bruno Fernandes but benefit of the doubt that you don’t take off a man who can deliver even on the quietest of days. A decent set-up and a shame United failed to make their chances count. He can’t be held guilty for that.