183rd Manchester derby ends in drab stalemate

Manchester United and Manchester City yesterday played out a dismal derby stalemate behind closed doors at Old Trafford.

In a game devoid of quality and excitement, neither side were able to carve out the opportunity that could make a difference amid the eerie silence of the so-called ‘Theatre Of Dreams’.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came under increased scrutiny after United suffered a 3-2 defeat away to RB Leipzig in Europe on Tuesday, his team only showing some spirit once they were three goals down.

City crafted the better chances even though they were far from their fluent best, but ultimately neither side deserved to make the breakthrough as they remain neck-and-neck in seventh and eighth in the table, United now with just five points won at home this term.

United were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute when Kyle Walked kicked Marcus Rashford’s foot in the box but the decision was over-ruled after VAR found the United striker had been in an offside position.

Gabriel Jesus was off target and Riyad Mahrez brought a routine save from David de Gea with City’s best first-half chances while Scott McTominay was agonisingly inches away from Victor Lindelof’s flick as United sought the breakthrough.

United’s best chance came in the 54th minute when Paul Pobga put Rashford in on the left but the striker slipped as he shot harmlessly wide.

It led to an unsatisfactory conclusion for both sides, leaving United seventh in the Premier League with 20 points and City a place below them on 19 points after 11 games.