Manchester City’s hopes of Champions League qualification remain uncertain after a goalless derby draw at Manchester United on Sunday.
United, dominant in a game lacking chances, missed the opportunity to secure their first league double over City since the 2019/20 season.
The point leaves City in fifth place in the Premier League, which should still be enough for next season’s Champions League. However, they are just two points ahead of Newcastle, who have two games in hand.
United’s draw lifts them to 13th, but both clubs face an uncertain future. For the first time in Premier League history, neither Manchester club could finish in the top four, a scenario that looms large in the coming months.
A poor match with little quality or intensity mirrored a frustrating season for both teams. After winning a record four consecutive league titles, City are at risk of missing the top four for the first time since 2009/10. United, on the other hand, may only secure Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League, as they are on track for their worst-ever Premier League finish.
United showed moments of promise this week but still struggled offensively, failing to score in a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest. Kevin De Bruyne started just days after announcing this would be his final season, but his performance highlighted that he is now a shadow of the player Guardiola once hailed as a Premier League great.
City controlled possession, but United were more dangerous on the counter-attack in a lackluster first half. Garnacho, Dorgu, and Ugarte all wasted opportunities to threaten City’s goal. Foden had the best chance of the game just after halftime but missed with only Onana to beat.
The second half saw a slight improvement, with Marmoush testing Onana with a powerful shot. United’s substitutes, Zirkzee and Mount, added more attacking urgency, with Zirkzee’s shot saved by Ederson and Mount’s follow-up blocked by Rico Lewis.
Despite the pleasantries exchanged between Guardiola and Ruben Amorim at full-time, neither manager can be satisfied with the current state of their teams following another disappointing result.
