Talk about a let-down.
Manchester United and Manchester City failed to deliver the expected entertainment in their clash of Premier League heavyweights Sunday at Old Trafford. The first “Manchester Derby” of 2015-16 ended in a goal-less draw, as the two Manchester clubs disappointed legions of fans and neutral observers, who were watching intently from all corners of the Earth.
Injuries, caution and nerves appeared to be primarily responsible for the outcome. Both teams are firmly in the race for the Premier League title, and it seemed the players prioritized staying in the chase over making a statement of intent against their local rival.
Such an approach produced a game in which the first real attempt at goal came in the last 10 minutes.
Manchester City is the top-scoring team in the Premier League with 24 goals. We expected Manuel Pellegrini’s team to draw first blood against Manchester United.
The game-winning and show-saving goal never came, making this Manchester derby a rare sight.
Neither Manchester City nor Manchester United will complain loudly about the result. The point allowed Manchester City to reclaim first place in the standings from Arsenal on goal difference (both have 22 points from 10 games). Manchester United sits in fourth place with 20 points after 10 games.
Thumbnail photo via Jon Super/The Associated Press
