Manchester City and Manchester United played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford on April 6, 2025, in a Premier League encounter that did little to inspire confidence in either side’s season prospects. The lackluster 0-0 result was emblematic of a disappointing campaign for both clubs, as the usually fiery derby lacked quality, intensity, and clear-cut chances.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, after dominating English football with four consecutive league titles, now face an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification. The draw keeps them fifth in the table, a position that may still be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but with Newcastle United trailing by just two points and holding two games in hand, City’s fate remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United moved up to 13th with the point, but their hopes of reaching the Champions League rest solely on winning the Europa League. United’s league form continues to be inconsistent, with this game coming just days after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest—a match that again highlighted their inefficiency in front of goal.
Despite City having more possession, United created the better opportunities, especially on the counterattack. Alejandro Garnacho, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte all found themselves in promising positions but failed to convert. City’s best moment came early in the second half when Phil Foden squandered a golden chance with only Andre Onana to beat.
Late substitutions provided a spark for United, with Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount bringing fresh energy to their attack. Zirkzee forced a strong save from Ederson, while Mount’s follow-up effort was blocked by Rico Lewis. On the other end, Omar Marmoush tested Onana with a fierce drive, but chances were generally few and far between.
The final whistle saw a friendly handshake and warm exchange between Guardiola and Amorim, but behind the smiles lay the reality of two teams struggling to live up to expectations. Notably, neither Manchester club has ever finished outside the top four in the Premier League era—a record that now looks in serious jeopardy.
Adding to the somber mood at Old Trafford, United fans staged a protest against the club’s ownership after the match, underlining the growing discontent off the pitch as well.
Kevin De Bruyne started the match for City just days after revealing this season will be his last at the club. However, his performance lacked the spark of old, further symbolizing a City side that looks a shadow of its former self.
As the season enters its final stretch, both City and United must regroup quickly if they are to salvage something from a campaign that has thus far fallen far short of expectations.
