Fierce rivals and Premier League title contenders could not be separated at Old Trafford, as the first Manchester derby of 2015-16 ended in a goalless draw earlier tonight.
Still at a relatively early stage of both team’s respective campaigns, neither Louis van Gaal or Manuel Pellegrini did not allow any risks to be taken on the field by their players, the match largely spent being fought in the midfield.
It was not until the last 10 minutes when some intent started to be shown, with substitute Jesse Lingard hitting the bar and a low-shot from Chris Smalling forcing a great save from Joe Hart.
The approaches taken by both managers were criticised after the final whistle, with faithful supporters and neutral onlookers alike all bemoaning the lack of creativity in attack and the general timid feel both squad’s had when in possession of the ball.
When you’re watching the #ManchesterDerby and hear there has been a FIFTH goal in the #BOUTOT game… pic.twitter.com/Q6hTnLRmZv
— Copa90 (@Copa90) October 25, 2015
Martial is just wow. HE IS 19 FFSSS — Juan Mata (@JuanMataTouch) October 25, 2015
Still goalless in the #ManchesterDerby #MUFC #MCFC https://t.co/r93iVYvPZj pic.twitter.com/0RsDPF5226
— FootballFanCast.com (@FootballFanCast) October 25, 2015
So this is my dad at a christening watching the Manchester derby ? @TSBible @ManUtd ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/AJZ9YcfxvG — morgan (@MorgaanTurnbull) October 25, 2015
Demichelis for Yaya, a real statement of intent. Just the three holding midfielders now. #ManchesterDerby
— Neil Sherwin (@neilsherwin) October 25, 2015
Things more entertaining than this Manchester derby! #MUFC #MCFC pic.twitter.com/VzVYr589G7 — TransferTavern.com (@TransferTavern) October 25, 2015
How long is Rooney going to get away with these bad performances? Something has to be done #MUFC
— Dave Garghan (@DaveGarghan9) October 25, 2015
Will Rooney ever be dropped for poor form? #MUFCvMCFC — Kristian Sturt (@FootieWriter) October 25, 2015
That is a very encouraging display from United. Confident, in control and creative. A lot to build on there #MUFC
— Dave Garghan (@DaveGarghan9) October 25, 2015
United: Beat our midfield press if you can. City: Nah we’re good here. — Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) October 25, 2015
That will do,takes us top and gets a big away game out of the way. Fair result imho despite what Sourness says.
— Andy Savage (@mcfc9320group) October 25, 2015
#mcfc clearly wanted a point, offered feck all going forward. Missed opportunity for #mufc to get a win. — Neil Sherwin (@neilsherwin) October 25, 2015
#MUNMCI at no point does van gaal make a move to win this game. No attacking intensity or purpose. What has @ManUtd come to?
— Maurice Moreira Ky (@EMKAY_FC) October 25, 2015
Neutrals watching this game #MUNMCIpic.twitter.com/1ZFz4VZIKA — Copa90 (@Copa90) October 25, 2015
A very negative performance by @MCFC. Only one team tried to win it! #MUNMCI #ManchesterDerby
— Sandeep Madavu (@sandeep_madavu) October 25, 2015
When you play 4-3-3 possession based game, you need your ST to run behind the defenders.Rooney is not good at that.#MUNMCI #ManchesterDerby — Santhosh (@santhosh_kr09) October 25, 2015
If LVG won’t drop Rooney then he should play him on the left where he won’t matter #MUNMCI #ManchesterDerby
— Eziamaka Eric (@chichack95) October 25, 2015
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