The Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday was a match that will not be remembered for its excitement or drama. The goalless draw left much to be desired, but individual performances from certain players still stood out. Despite the lack of goals, players like Omar Marmoush, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva had moments of quality, but the absence of a decisive goal was a significant regret for them. Other players, such as Nico O’Reilly and Alejandro Garnacho, will likely view this encounter as one they’d prefer to forget, given their struggles.
So, who truly shone, and who will be looking to bounce back from a performance that didn’t do their talents justice?
Manchester City Player Ratings:
Ederson (6.5/10)
Ederson had a quiet afternoon in between the sticks. While he was rarely tested, he made two saves, keeping a clean sheet with minimal work. His performance wasn’t flashy, but given the lack of shots on target from United, he did what was required of him. With an xG (expected goals) of 0.18 for United, it was a comfortable outing for the Brazilian.
Nico O’Reilly (5/10) [Off 74′]
O’Reilly was a man out of position for much of the game, which was evident in his performance. Defensively, he struggled against United’s attack, particularly when Dalot delivered a cross that could’ve been converted by Garnacho had the young forward been in better form. While O’Reilly showed energy and commitment, his inexperience at this level was evident, and it impacted his effectiveness.
Ruben Dias (7.5/10)
Dias was one of City’s standout players, with nearly 100 touches throughout the match. His ability to win duels was a constant, and he remained solid defensively, even making a clearance while slipping to the ground at one point. His resilience and leadership at the back helped maintain City’s defensive structure, ensuring they didn’t falter despite United’s pressure at times.
Josko Gvardiol (7.5/10)
Gvardiol had another solid performance at center-back. With the absence of a true left-back in City’s lineup, Gvardiol had to step up and demonstrate his versatility. His defensive positioning was sharp, and he didn’t put a foot wrong in dealing with United’s limited offensive threat. His composed display in the heart of the defense was crucial in City’s ability to stay organized throughout the 90 minutes.
Matheus Nunes (6.5/10)
Nunes had a quiet but crucial role in the middle of the park. He made an important interception on a long diagonal ball towards Dorgu in the 59th minute, halting United’s potential counterattack. While he wasn’t the most eye-catching player on the pitch, his work rate and key interventions played a vital role in City maintaining control of the game.
Mateo Kovacic (6.5/10)
Kovacic was steady but didn’t produce anything spectacular in the derby. He kept things ticking over in midfield but didn’t have the creative spark expected of him in such a high-stakes encounter. While not a liability, his performance was forgettable compared to the more explosive players around him.
Ilkay Gundogan (5/10) [Off 74′]
Gundogan struggled throughout the first half and never quite found his rhythm. His performance was well below the standards we’ve come to expect from the City captain, with only two tame shots on target. He was often rattled by the intensity of United’s press and struggled to impose himself on the game. His substitution came as no surprise given his lack of impact.
Bernardo Silva (7/10)
Silva had a solid first half, constantly looking to link up play despite being under pressure from United’s press. His duel with Casemiro in midfield was the most notable battle of the match, with both players displaying their competitive edge. Silva was energetic and industrious, but like many of his teammates, he couldn’t find the final product needed to break the deadlock.
Kevin De Bruyne (5/10)
It was a disappointing performance from De Bruyne, as he failed to provide the creative spark that has often made him the standout player in such matches. He had two weak shots on target, which did little to trouble Onana. The Belgian maestro wasn’t able to influence the game as he usually does, and this was perhaps his last Manchester derby to forget.
Phil Foden (5/10) [Off 57′]
Foden’s performance was disappointing, with his eagerness to make an impact often working against him. He lacked composure in the final third and couldn’t create any meaningful chances. His lack of influence on the match meant that he was substituted at half-time, a clear indication of his struggles to make a difference.
Omar Marmoush (7.5/10)
Marmoush was one of the few bright spots for City in this match. He was active from the start, taking an early shot and showing plenty of movement off the ball. He was largely isolated for much of the first half but took matters into his own hands in the second, making runs and creating chances despite the lack of support. His pace and creativity made him a constant threat, and City should be thankful for his determination to make things happen.
Subs:
Jeremy Doku (6/10) [On 57′]: Doku had moments of skill but was too predictable at times, relying heavily on his trickery.
Jack Grealish (N/A) [On 74′]: Came on late but didn’t have enough time to influence the game.
Rico Lewis (N/A) [On 74′]: Another late substitute who couldn’t make an impact.
Andre Onana (7.5/10)
Onana was a key figure in keeping United in the game with several crucial saves. He made six saves overall and had ten recoveries, showing his importance to the team. While his distribution was sometimes a little erratic, his shot-stopping was exemplary, and he helped United avoid conceding on several occasions. His performance ensured that his side didn’t fall behind.
Noussair Mazraoui (7.5/10)
Mazraoui was solid in his defensive duties, contributing both physically and technically. He wasn’t overwhelmed by the occasion and showed a real maturity in dealing with City’s attacking players. His positioning was key to United’s defensive stability, and he provided a much-needed outlet on the right-hand side.
Harry Maguire (7/10) [Off 58′]
Maguire had a decent outing, particularly in the first half. He was instrumental in spraying the ball diagonally out of the back, contributing to United’s build-up play. While not always composed under pressure, Maguire held his ground and kept the backline relatively stable.
Leny Yoro (5.5/10)
Yoro had a promising start to the match but faded as the game went on. While his early work was decent, he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game, and his inexperience showed as City started to apply pressure in the second half. There were moments where he could have been more assertive, but he will no doubt learn from this tough outing.
Diogo Dalot (6.5/10)
Dalot had a steady performance, especially when it came to defending against City’s wingers. He kept a tight grip on Doku and didn’t allow too many dangerous crosses into the box. His positioning was key in limiting City’s attacking threats, and he was solid throughout, even if he didn’t contribute much going forward.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10) [Off 71′]
Ugarte struggled a bit in the first half, showing signs of anxiety in possession. However, he improved in the second half, providing more assurance in midfield. His work rate was solid, and he did attempt a hopeful shot towards goal before being substituted, but overall, he didn’t have the impact expected in a derby of this magnitude.
Casemiro (8/10)
Casemiro was undoubtedly one of the best players on the pitch, dominating the midfield with his strength and aggression. He was aggressive from the first whistle and displayed his trademark ability to break up play. The Brazilian was at his best, and his leadership in midfield helped United maintain control in the middle of the park. His performance was the type of display you’d expect from a player with so much experience in high-profile matches.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10)
Dorgu had a mixed performance, showing great promise by getting into several dangerous positions. However, his decision-making in the final third often let him down, and he lacked the composure needed to make the most of his opportunities. It was clear that he was trying hard to make an impact, but the quality was lacking when it mattered most.
Bruno Fernandes (7.5/10)
Fernandes was the heart and soul of United’s attack, creating three chances and barely putting a foot wrong. His movement and passing were key in breaking down City’s defensive shape, and he showed a real desire to lead the charge for his side. While he didn’t get a goal or assist, his influence on the match was undeniable, and he was one of the few players who looked like making something happen.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10)
Garnacho was busy throughout the match but struggled to make a tangible impact. He was full of energy but lacked the quality needed to make a difference in the final third. His decision-making was often poor, and he was unable to take advantage of the spaces City left him.
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10) [Off 71′]
Hojlund was isolated for much of the game, with only 15 touches in 71 minutes. While some of this can be attributed to his teammates’ inability to get him involved, the young striker still has room to improve in terms of his ability to affect matches like this one. His lack of involvement was a frustrating aspect of his performance.
Subs:
Victor Lindelof (6.5/10) [On 58′]: Came on and provided some stability in defense.
Mason Mount (7.5/10) [On 71′]: Mount showed more initiative in attack than many of his teammates after coming on, providing some much-needed creativity.
Joshua Zirkzee (N/A) [On 71′]: Had little time to make an impact.
The Manchester derby ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams unable to break the deadlock. While many players will be disappointed by the lack of goals, several standout individual performances could not be overlooked. Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias were among the top performers, while others like Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, and Alejandro Garnacho will certainly be hoping for better in future derbies. Ultimately, both sides will look to bounce back in their next fixtures, but this encounter will be remembered as one lacking the spark and drama expected from such a fierce rivalry.
