Manchester United's forward was a thread to Manchester City on a derby clash, Sunday, April 6. Image: Manchester United shared via X @ManUtd.
(The Post News)– Manchester City’s hope to qualify for EUFA champions is still certain, after a goalless derby match at Old Trafford on April 07, for the English Premiership match.
United lost short on their first league double over City since 2019–20 despite having a stronger game with little opportunities. With one more point, City is still in fifth place in the Premier League, which should be sufficient to qualify for the Champions League the following season.
A terrible season for both sides of the Manchester divide was summed up by a match that lacked talent, energy, and fight. Following an unprecedented four straight league titles, City’s performance has deteriorated to the point that they could miss out on the top four for the first time since 2009–10.
However, the Belgian’s performance was the most recent indication that he has diminished from the player Guardiola claimed would be recognised as one of the greatest of all time in the Premier League. In a dull first half, United was the more dangerous team on the counterattack even though City controlled the majority of the ball. Manchester Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho, and Patrick Dorgu all missed half-chances to score within the City box. With only Andre Onana to beat, Phil Foden had the finest opportunity of the game seconds after halftime, but he mispronounced his lines.
After the interval, the action did slightly improve as Onana’s palms were stung by Omar Marmoush’s strong strike from a corner. The United offence gained additional momentum in the last 20 minutes with the entrance of Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee off the bench.
When Zirkzee’s shot was clawed away by Ederson, both had a chance to win it, and Rico Lewis did well blocking Mount’s subsequent attempt. At full time, there were grins during a tender hug between Guardiola and Ruben Amorim, but those pleasantries covered up the reality that neither man could be content with the state of his team following a dismal campaign.
About the Author
