In a tense and hard-fought Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 6, 2025, Manchester United and Manchester City battled to a stalemate, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw. The game, which was part of the 31st round of the Premier League, showcased the rivalry between the two sides, but ultimately neither team could find the back of the net.
Manchester City dominated possession throughout the match, holding the ball for 59% of the time and registering 9 shots, with 5 of those on target. In contrast, Manchester United managed 13 shots, but only 2 were on target, reflecting their struggles to convert opportunities into goals.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was not without its highlights. Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder for United, put in a stellar performance, recording 11 tackles—the highest by a United player in a Premier League match since the 2006/07 season. This impressive feat tied him with Owen Hargreaves and Patrice Evra, who also had 11 tackles in their respective matches. Casemiro’s dominance in midfield was evident, as he won all 7 of his duels in the first half, contributing significantly to United's defensive efforts.
Bruno Fernandes was another standout for United, creating all three of their scoring chances in the first half, more than any other player on the pitch. However, despite their efforts, both teams struggled to find the rhythm needed to break the deadlock. The first half concluded with both teams still searching for a breakthrough, and it was clear that the match would be a test of resilience.
As the second half unfolded, both sides made tactical adjustments. City replaced Phil Foden with Doku, while United brought on Lindelof for Maguire. The game continued to be a contest of wills, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. A notable moment came when United's Ugarte had a chance to score but his shot went wide, despite Ederson, City's goalkeeper, being caught flat-footed.
On the other end, City’s chances were thwarted by United's goalkeeper, Onana, who made several crucial saves, including denying a powerful effort from Marmoush. In a particularly contentious moment, Casemiro was involved in a collision with Kovacic in the penalty area, but the referee waved away appeals for a penalty, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
The match statistics were telling; since the 2003/04 season, only two matches had fewer total shots in the first half than this derby, with just 8 attempts recorded. The intensity of the match was reflected in the early yellow card received by Ruben Dias, who was cautioned just 38 seconds into the game for a foul on Garnacho, marking the earliest yellow card in the history of the Manchester derby since the 2006/07 season.
While the draw left Manchester United in 13th place with 38 points after 31 matches, Manchester City remained in 5th place with 52 points, just one point behind Chelsea. The contrasting fortunes of the two clubs were evident, as City aimed for a top-four finish while United struggled to find consistency.
Pre-match predictions had favored City, with experts suggesting that United would find it difficult to secure a victory. Supercomputers had given City a 43.8% chance of winning, compared to United's 30.7%, with a draw rated at 25.4%. This match was viewed as a crucial one for both teams, not only in terms of points but also for pride in this historic rivalry.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric, with approximately 70,000 fans in attendance, all eager to witness the fierce rivalry unfold. Security was heightened, with police issuing warnings about potential crowd issues given the large turnout. Colette Rose, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police, noted the excitement that the derby brings to the city, urging fans to remain responsible and plan their journeys carefully.
This derby was different from previous encounters where City often found themselves in the title race while United fought for Champions League qualification. Both teams entered this match in a state of flux, making the stakes feel particularly high despite their lower league positions. The draw means that United continues to grapple with their form under new coach Ruben Amorim, with this match marking the eighth time they have failed to score in the league this season, second only to Leicester City’s 12 matches.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 0-0, a result that left both teams with more questions than answers. While the defensive displays were commendable, the lack of goals highlighted the ongoing struggles for both clubs. With the Premier League season winding down, both Manchester United and Manchester City will need to reassess their strategies moving forward, as they seek to improve their standings and regain their respective places in the league hierarchy.
This Manchester derby may not have produced the fireworks that fans had hoped for, but it certainly added another chapter to one of football's fiercest rivalries. As the teams prepare for their next fixtures, the focus will be on how they can turn these performances into results and what the future holds for both clubs in this competitive league.
