In a thrilling Manchester Derby at Old Trafford on April 6, 2025, neither Manchester United nor Manchester City could find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw. The match was particularly significant as it marked Kevin De Bruyne's last appearance in this fierce rivalry, with the star midfielder set to leave City at the end of the season.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, with an attendance of 73,738 eager supporters witnessing the intense battle between the two clubs. The match kicked off with both teams fielding a mix of seasoned veterans and younger talent, but injuries and absences played a key role in shaping the lineups.
Manchester United was missing several key players, including Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Amad, while Matthijs de Ligt was sidelined due to an injury. Manager Ruben Amorim opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui in the back three. Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu operated as wing-backs, while Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro anchored the midfield.
On the other hand, Manchester City faced their own challenges, with Erling Haaland absent due to an ankle injury. City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Omar Marmoush leading the attack in Haaland's stead. The likes of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan supported the offense, while Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias anchored the defense.
The first half saw both teams struggle to create clear-cut chances, with City dominating possession early on. In the opening minutes, Ruben Dias received a yellow card for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho, setting the tone for a hard-fought match. Despite City’s control, United found opportunities to counterattack, particularly through the pace of Garnacho and the creativity of Fernandes.
As the half progressed, United began to find their rhythm, with Garnacho creating several chances. In the 20th minute, he nearly connected with a cross from Dalot, but the header went wide. City responded with a flurry of attempts, including a long-range effort from Kevin De Bruyne that was saved by United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The intensity ramped up in the second half, with both teams making tactical substitutions. City introduced Jeremy Doku for Phil Foden, while United brought on Victor Lindelöf for Maguire. The changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the game, but neither side could capitalize on their opportunities.
In the 19th minute of the second half, Marmoush tested Onana with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but the United keeper was equal to the task. United's best chance came shortly after when Manuel Ugarte attempted a half-volley, which sailed just wide of the post.
The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams exchanging chances. United's Joshua Zirkzee had a shot saved by Ederson, while Marmoush remained a constant threat for City. However, the defenses held firm, and the match remained deadlocked.
As the clock wound down, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and United’s Mason Mount both received yellow cards for fouls, reflecting the match's physical nature. With four minutes of added time announced, both teams pushed for a late winner, but the deadlock could not be broken.
Ultimately, the match concluded in a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams with mixed feelings. City remained in fifth place with 52 points, while United lingered in 13th with 38 points. The draw was a missed opportunity for City to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea, while United continued to struggle in the mid-table.
As the dust settled on this historic derby, the focus shifted to Kevin De Bruyne, who made a heartfelt announcement earlier in the week regarding his departure from Manchester City. In an emotional farewell, De Bruyne expressed his gratitude to the club and the city, stating, "Seeing this, you probably realize where this is heading. So I'll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here- and you deserve to hear it from me first."
De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era for Manchester City, where he has been instrumental in their success over the past decade. As the fans chanted his name during the match, it was clear that his impact on the club and its supporters will be felt long after he leaves.
Despite the lack of goals, the Manchester Derby once again lived up to its reputation for fierce rivalry and high stakes. Both teams will look to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures as the season approaches its climax.
