Manchester Derby: What we learned

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Marouane Fellaini was sent off for headbutting Sergio Aguero Manchester United frustrated Manchester City in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

    City remain fourth, a point behind third-place Liverpool with a game in hand, with United, who also have a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp’s side, a point further back in fifth place.

    A ‘MARCED’ MAN

    Marcus Rashford wasn’t allowed much space to operate in at all. Already starved of service, the 19-year-old was repeatedly fouled and battered by the City defenders. He’s stepped into Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s rather large shoes impressively of late but was pinned down on this occasion.

    City obviously identified him as the chief threat on the break and there were plenty of instances off the ball when they made sure he knew they were around. It’s just the sort of thing that the youngster will have to get used to and cope with as his stock rises.

    In a week when many have made the argument that United may be better off without Ibrahimovic and instead work well with Rashford upfront, this was a timely reminder that the budding striker still has much to learn before he can assume the kind of responsibility that the big Swede has shouldered for so long.

    CITY MISSED SILVA

    As far as absentees go, United were in a much more dire situation as compared to their neighbours. The aforementioned Ibrahimovic was missed dearly and the likes of Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Chris Smalling in particular left them short.

    However, the absence of David Silva proved to be pivotal for City in a game like this. Especially in the second half, they dominated proceedings but on so many occasions lacked that killer final ball, slipped into the narrowest of corridors that could unlock United’s stubborn defence and break the deadlock.

    They resorted to shots from distance with 58% of their efforts coming from outside the box. Kevin De Bruyne was in top gear, particularly in the second half. The Belgian completed 10 crosses and four take-ons, had three shots at goal and created five chances. The situation called for the deftness of his Spanish team-mate’s play-making though.

    UNITED LIVED DANGEROUSLY

    When United beat Chelsea 2-0 at Old Trafford, it was attributed to a masterful game plan which was executed by the players to perfection, and that was indeed the case. But the tactics deployed by Mourinho at the Etihad lacked a certain panache, coming off as basic and uninspiring instead.

    The visitors sat back for most of the game, retaining just 31% of the ball and failing to use it efficiently when they did. They lined up on the edge of their own area for long periods, parking the proverbial bus.

    To their credit, they did restrict City to shots from range for the most part but a few of them could’ve so easily landed up in the back of the net. They were indecisive in defence too, failing to clear their lines at times and should’ve been behind early on when Aguero struck the post.

    A late Gabriel Jesus goal was rightly ruled out for offside and Aguero miscued his effort from a great opportunity at the far post in stoppage time as well. It was not the kind of defensive display that can warrant many plaudits apart from those directed at the players’ commitment and hard work.

    Recommended