Manchester City’s push for Champions League qualification remains in the balance after a lackluster 0-0 draw with Manchester United in a dull derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
With the point, City remains in fifth place in the Premier League, a position that could still be enough to secure Champions League football for next season. However, Pep Guardiola’s side are just two points ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle, who have two games in hand, putting their European aspirations in jeopardy.
Manchester United, in contrast, moved up to 13th place but are still far from securing a spot in Europe. The result means they missed out on a rare league double over their city rivals for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
The match, which lacked quality, intensity, and creativity, underscored the struggles both sides have endured this season. For City, it marked a continuation of their fall from dominance after a record four consecutive Premier League titles. Now, the prospect of missing out on the top four for the first time since the 2009/10 season looms large.
United’s only remaining hope for Champions League football next season is to win the Europa League, as they face the likelihood of their worst-ever Premier League finish.
The match itself was bereft of the excitement typically expected in a derby. City enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but struggled to break down United’s defense, with Kevin De Bruyne’s performance continuing to reflect his decline as he approaches the end of his illustrious career.
United, while limited in their offensive threat, looked dangerous on the counter-attack in the first half. Alejandro Garnacho, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte all failed to capitalize on half-chances to break the deadlock. City’s best chance of the first half came through Phil Foden, who, just moments into the second period, missed a golden opportunity with only goalkeeper Andre Onana to beat.
The game picked up slightly after the break, with Omar Marmoush testing Onana with a powerful shot from a corner. United brought on Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, adding some bite to their attack, and both players had chances to secure the win. Zirkzee’s effort was saved by Ederson, while Mount’s follow-up was blocked by City defender Rico Lewis.
The match ended in a goalless draw, and while the players exchanged pleasantries at full-time, the disappointing performances by both sides raised serious concerns about the future of both clubs. Neither Guardiola nor United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, will be happy with the current state of their teams as they enter the final stretch of the season.
With just a few games left, City’s top-four aspirations remain uncertain, while United faces a season of rebuilding if they are to return to European competition.
