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In recent years, the Manchester derby has become one of the most-watched games in the world. The rise to prominence of oil-driven Manchester City has finally evened the playing field with Manchester United, making this must-watch viewing.
Unfortunately, today’s affair was far from must-watch, as the two teams from Manchester put on a bore draw. It was clear that neither team wanted all three points and instead focused on not losing.
Here are the hits and flops from Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City.
Flop - Rodri (Manchester City)
The Spaniard is in his second season in England and is yet to show why he was signed for £62.8 million. If he was meant to be a midfield controller, he’s failed to show an adequate passing range. If he was meant to be a destroyer, he gets dribbled past far too often for that too.
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Today, Rodri once again put in an average performance that left the Citizens a man light in midfield. He left Fernandinho doing the work of two players. Out of the 77 passes he completed, none of them led to a chance for his teammates.
Hit - Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
The Englishman has come under ample amounts of criticism in recent months, but tonight he showed everyone why Manchester United paid £80 million for him. The centre-back was commanding in his challenges and confident on the ball when faced with City’s high press.
The 27-year-old won a commanding four duels, made four tackles, three interceptions and blocked three shots. City’s attack was toothless, but even when they tried to penetrate the final third, Maguire was there to sweep up and organise his backline for the full 90 minutes.
Flop - Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
2020 has been an incredible year for Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has single-handedly revolutionised Manchester United’s fortunes and commonly carries his teammates on his back.
In 39 appearances for Manchester United, the attacking midfielder has scored a stunning 23 goals and provided 14 assists. It's return that no midfielder in Europe has matched to date.
Tonight, the talisman spent most of his time chasing shadows and when he did get the ball, he could only produce a few snapshots. Granted, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer set the team up in a more defensive manner.
However, when Manchester United did get the ball, they needed their catalyst Fernandes to make things happen, which he couldn’t do.
Hit - Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Often the standard-bearer for others in the Premier League, the Belgian hasn’t had the best of starts to the campaign. Yes, he may have 12 goal involvements in 13 games, but such a tally is deemed average by his standards.
Today, up against a resolute Manchester United low-block, De Bruyne was the only one playing with a sense of urgency. The 29-year-old completed three key passes and two dribbles, while winning four duels for his team. On another day, the Belgian could have had a couple of assists.
Flop - Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Much has been said about the future of Paul Pogba this week. His agent has caused quite a stir in the media, but the Frenchman has tried to respond to that talk with his performances on the pitch. A goal and an assist in his last two outings have helped, but United fans were looking for him to step up today.
He didn’t. In fact, the midfielder would go on to only win four out of 11 duels and lose possession nine times. He was toothless in the tackle and ineffective on the ball in a game where someone of his ability had the opportunity to take control.
