A fixture that was billed to be a classic, the Manchester derby was overshadowed in the technical prowess shown by both sets of managers. With several of the key players injured for both set of teams, both teams lacked their cutting edge in the final third.
Here are the player rating for both teams.
Manchester City
Joe Hart -7
Though he was relatively busier than his counterpart in the Red shirt, Joe Hart wasn’t tested throughout the first half. However, he made a quick recovery in the 2nd half when he tackled Mata outside his own half to deny the Spaniard a clear cut opportunity.
Bacary Sagna -6
Given the nod to start in place of Pablo Zabaleta on the right full back spot, Sagna lacked the firepower which is associated with him.
Vincent Kompany -6
Thanks to Wayne Rooney who again looked out of sorts today, Vincent Kompany wasn’t threatened that much by the attacking department of Manchester United.
Nicolas Otamendi – 7
A player who has been brought in by the Citizens for a hefty price tag, Otamendi did really well on specific occasions to deny Manchester United. While he was playing the center back position, Otamendi covered Alexandar Kolarov well when the left back was involved higher up the pitch.
Alexandar Kolarov -6.5
After getting the better of his injury, Kolarov got back his position in the starting 11. Although he tried his level best, Kolarov failed to link with Sterling as he would have liked.
Fernandinho – 7
As you might expect from the score-line that this match wasn’t a goal-scoring classic, it was a game played in the midfield where Fernandinho did well.
Fernando – 7
Getting nominated for a position in the starting 11, Fernando played the role really well for which he was brought into the team. He controlled the Manchester United midfield without being too obvious.
Jesus Navas – 5
While he was brought into the squad to perform better than the player in place of whom he was subbed in, Navas did little to evoke any kind of attacks.
Yaya Toure – 7
Played higher up the midfield where he likes to, Yaya Toure was far from delighted when he was subbed off by Manuel Pellegrini. However, his performance was one of the few bright spots for City on an otherwise dull day at the Old Trafford.
De Bryune – 7
Passed a brilliant ball towards Yaya Toure, who scuffed it, De Bryune looked the more likely player from both sides to create an opportunity throughout the 90 minutes.
Bony – 6
While he got a brace last weekend against Bournemouth, this match epitomized the fact that Wilfred Bony couldn’t be a long-term replacement of Sergio Aguero.
Manchester United
De Gea – 6.5
In a game where Manchester City missed Sergio Aguero dearly, De Gea enjoyed one of the easiest clean-sheets of his career for Manchester United today.
Antonio Valencia – 6
Played ahead of Darmian, Valencia did little to justify his inclusion ahead of the Italian.
Phil Jones – 7
While he has been maligned by the Manchester United faithful for his defending in big games, Phil Jones did very well to stop Wilfred Bony from creating any sort of danger for the Red Devils.
Chris Smalling – 7
Another brilliant day at the office, Chris Smalling is now turning out to be one of the best defenders in the league.
Rojo – 7.5
Between the whole of Manchester United defense, Rojo was the only player who looked more involved in the game.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 7
Should have had a shot when he had the chance in the first half, the Frenchman did little to hamper his rating today.
Marouane Fellaini – 6
Looking at his performances off the bench in the last few months, today wasn’t a day where the Belgian was on top of his game.
Lingard – 7
Had that shot by him converted into a goal, Lingard could have had a memorable derby moment to savor for the rest of his career.
Ander Herrera – 6.5
While he is the most in-form Manchester United player currently, Herrera looked subdued today against a quality defense.
Anthony Martial – 7.5
A player who seems to have a habit of shining against fierce rivals – after his goal against Liverpool on debut, Anthony Martial was again the best player in a Red shirt today.
Wayne Rooney – 6
Another night to forget for Rooney as his confidence looked floored once again against a quality opposition.
