Manchester Derby ends in goalless draw as City’s UCL hopes hang in balance

Manchester City’s bid for Champions League qualification took a hit on Sunday after a lifeless 0-0 draw against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

In a match lacking intensity, creativity, and quality, City failed to assert their usual dominance, while United missed an opportunity to complete a league double over their neighbors for the first time since the 2019/20 season.

With the result, City remain fifth on the Premier League table, a position that may be sufficient for Champions League qualification, depending on England’s UEFA coefficient.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side are just two points ahead of Newcastle United, who still have two games in hand.

The draw nudged Manchester United up to 13th, but the result did little to mask what has been a dismal season for both clubs.

For the first time in Premier League history, there’s a genuine threat that neither Manchester side could finish in the top four.

Despite enjoying more possession, City struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Kevin De Bruyne, starting after recently confirming this season would be his last at the Etihad, looked a shadow of his former self.

United, meanwhile, threatened sporadically on the counter-attack.

Alejandro Garnacho, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte all failed to capitalize on half-chances in the first half.

Phil Foden came closest for City just seconds after the restart but couldn’t convert a one-on-one against goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Late in the second half, the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount added some bite to United’s attack.

Zirkzee forced a strong save from Ederson, and Mount’s follow-up was blocked by Rico Lewis.

At full-time, Guardiola and United boss Ruben Amorim exchanged warm smiles, but behind the scenes, both managers will be concerned with the underwhelming performances and underachievement this season.

For United, their only hope of returning to the Champions League lies in winning the Europa League.

For City, avoiding their first top-four miss since the 2009/10 season now depends on an improved run in the final weeks.