Football: United fans respond to derby draw
What do you think the dull 0-0 draw between United and City?
Liam C was at Old Trafford and offered some analysis alongside catching up with some fans in and around Old Trafford.
This was a result that reflected the current state of both teams more than any great tactical masterclass.
Manchester United and Manchester City played out a 0-0 at Old Trafford that lacked the energy and intensity typically associated with one of English football’s biggest fixtures.
Manchester United adopted a familiar approach, sitting deep and attempting to hit City on the counter-attack. While their defensive discipline was commendable, their attacking play once again left much to be desired.
READ MORE: United and City play out dull derby draw
City dominated possession but failed to produce their usual incisiveness in the final third.
For Manchester United supporters, the lack of attacking threat is becoming a worrying theme. How can they change and end this season on something of a high? Keep reading below for some tactical analysis.
Some basic tactical analysis
At first glance, it’s easy to pin a dull 0-0 draw on the more cautious team, in this case Manchester United, who dropped deep in a compact 5-4-1 shape, shutting down space and looking to hit on the break.
But that’s a familiar approach from United these days, and they’ll be content with having kept City quiet.
The real issue, though, was City’s lack of urgency and Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach, which contributed far more to the game’s flatness.
I caught up with a number of United fans after the match.
One fan, Peter, summed up the mood: "Going into games for United, I'm not thinking whether we can win it. I just wonder if we can score." That sense of resignation has become common among the fanbase this season.
Gary was even more scathing in his assessment: "No drive, no inspiration, no clue what to do when they get to within 20 yards of the goal area. A very frustrating watch and, to be honest, a waste of my afternoon." His comments reflect the broader frustration with United's inability to capitalise in attacking areas, a pattern that has plagued much of their Premier League campaign.
Mark pointed out the lack of traditional derby fire: "Not a derby game in the traditional sense, with a lack of intensity seriously missing from both teams." Still, he saw some positives in United’s defensive shape and suggested that a new creative midfielder could be key to unlocking their forward potential. “We caused the most problems without really threatening to score,” he added, pointing to the lack of end product.
Yusuf offered a broader reflection on the match: “A very dull and dry performance from both Manchester teams. Our killer instinct to go out there and win games is not there. One of the most dull derbies shows the struggle between the two Manchester sides.” He remains cautiously optimistic about new manager Ruben Amorim, but acknowledged that signs of progress are difficult to see as the season nears its conclusion.
Some positivity from United fans and potential transfer targets.
There is some cautious hope among fans that Amorim can steer the team forward, provided he receives the right backing. Russell noted, “It’s getting better but we never look like scoring and that is the big, big problem. Hopefully the board will give Ruben the players he wants in the summer and is given carte blanche to offload the overwhelming mediocrity that exists in the current squad.”
Paul went a step further, arguing that Manchester United had the better chances and could have taken all three points. “Overall, United were the better team and deserved to nick the win. Our priority this summer is a striker who will score 20-plus goals a season. I think Dusan Vlahovic is the player United need to sign now.”
That need for a top-class striker is a recurring theme. Manchester United’s lack of cutting edge is evident in nearly every fixture, and their inability to convert promising moments into goals continues to cost them valuable points in the Premier League table.
As the season draws to a close, the focus is beginning to shift to the summer transfer window. For Ruben Amorim to succeed at Manchester United, the board must provide him with both the players he needs and the authority to reshape the squad. Whether that includes bringing in a forward like Vlahovic or strengthening in midfield, United’s recruitment strategy will define their prospects next season.
For now, the goalless draw in the Manchester derby leaves both teams with more questions than answers. Manchester United showed defensive promise but once again failed to convince in attack. Until that issue is addressed, these types of matches may continue to feel like missed opportunities rather than hard-fought points.
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