Manchester United grabbed a draw away at their neighbours Manchester City this evening in a boring 0-0 draw at the Etihad.
Depending on who you support, it can be seen as a good or bad result, but it’s an important point for both teams in their race to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Regardless of the result, there was a lot to take away from the game, and here are 5 things we learned from this evening’s action at the Etihad.
That’s the 13th draw for United this season, including draws against Liverpool and Arsenal, and also draws we would expect to have been wins. However, Mourinho’s tactics for these ‘big games’ are clear: set up for a draw and try to steal a 1-0 win. He doesn’t care about possession or entertainment, he cares about getting a result. He did the same at Anfield in October successfully, and he’s done it again tonight.
The man is so influential for Man City. His leadership, defensive qualities and ability to read the game and stop things before they happen are all second to none. He makes such a big difference when he is fit, and if City get themselves over the line into the top 4, that will be down to the contributions he’s made this season.
A moment of madness for Marouane Fellaini got himself sent off tonight. He needs to be more careful and smarter in situations like that in the future. Clearly rebuffed by receiving a booking for his first foul of the match, just 8 seconds later he committed an equally cynical challenge, before headbutting Sergio Aguero. A bonkers 2 minutes for Fellaini.
All the talk was on Marcus Rashford in the buildup to this game, but the City sensation Gabriel Jesus appeared to be the brighter spark on his return despite only playing 10 minutes. Rashford had some moments, but didn’t create any chances for himself. He wasn’t really helped by the way United set up, as he was left isolated for long periods of play, but Jesus certainly caught the eye when he finally got onto the pitch.
A sign of the times this evening. A massive derby game, and United legend Wayne Rooney wasn’t involved at all despite starting on the bench. I’m backing the striker to move on this summer, and finish his career elsewhere.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10