LONDON: The Manchester derby is not what it was. For most of the last two decades one or other of United and City have faced their neighbours in pursuit of the Premier League not this season. The insipid nature of the first goalless draw in five years underlined the transitional state of both teams.

At least each still has the incentive of a trophy to pursue, City in the FA Cup and United in the Europa League. Simultaneously manager Pep Guardiola’s City are not yet guaranteed a return to the Champions League. The league title itself has long been heading for Liverpool, despite the leaders’ error-strewn 3:2 defeat at Fulham which ended their 26-match unbeaten league run.

Old Trafford saw a derby farewell for captain Kevin de Bruyne after confirmation that the Belgium midfielder will leave City in the summer on the expiry of his contract after 10 years laden with 14 major trophies. The decision not to offer the injury-battered De Bruyne an extension was taken in consultation with Guardiola in a clear sign that the Catalan intends to be a part of City’s future, whatever that may hold.

Guardiola said: “The club has to move forward. To replicate his numbers is so difficult. He’s the only player who is finishing his contract but there are many things the many things the club and myself haven’t decided on.”

Moving forward includes a long-delayed verdict on the 100-plus charges with which City have been charged over alleged financial fairplay breaches. This is now expected later this month. Whatever the decision, an appeal by either City or the Premier League – or even both – is guaranteed, taking the dispute forward into next season.

United had the better of the first half with Alejandro Garnacho causing City continual problems which included forcing a first-minute free kick which resulted in an early yellow card for Ruben Dias. City, playing in a surprising narrow set-up, allowed United’s fullbacks a surprising amount of space and Diogo Dalot had one half-chance. Otherwise United lacked attacking penetration with Rasmus Hojlund again a disappointment.

The first half lacked the usual fire and intensity of the Manchester derby. City missed the attacking target of injured Erling Haaland who may not have recovered from an ankle injury until City go to the United States for the Club World Cup in June.

City raised the tempo after halftime. Substitute Jeremy Doku replaced injured Phil Foden to inject some life into their attack and Omar Marmoush had a free kick beaten away by United keeper Andre Onana. United survived comfortably but without doing enough to secure a first derby double in five years.

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