A highly anticipated build up for the Manchester derby was extinguished with a damp squib as City’s negative outlook denied United’s – in terms of their restricted capabilities – impressive approach.
The score was goalless and while neither net was troubled to the extent that there would be a winner; and while United exited the derby with the ability to hold their heads high having extended their long unbeaten record with an attacking display, there will still be a lingering sense of dissatisfaction as this entirely credible result left them 2 points further behind champions Chelsea at the top of the table.
Denied of the attacking talents of Anderson, Valencia, Rooney and Gigg through injury (the latter making history by not even being on the pitch, missing the first league derby in over 19 years), it was commendable that the Red Devils even approached the game with the intent to take 3 points, but that they did.
The very real restriction placed on them with injury became evident though, with chances few and far between. Patrice Evra had a chance midway through the first half but his breakthrough effort was fired straight at Joe Hart; Dimitar Berbatov’s half volley from a cross by substitute Wes Brown was similarly comfortable for the City stopper, with the hosts only effort of any note being a Carlos Tevez free kick 10 minutes before half time forcing Edwin van der Sar into a comfortable, if full stretch, save.
It seemed to be a result that satisfied both sides, despite the visitors added effort to actually take a win, with the only eruption of passion coming just before the break when Tevez fouled Rafael had a head to head; club to club, country to country, the two have a deep rivalry, and though the teenager didn’t back down from intimidation from his much older adversary, he did succumb to injury minutes into the second half. The situation at the club wasn’t helped by Evra’s removal due to injury, too, but the crippling scenario only added kudos to United’s approach. They persevered until the last, and won a more than deserved point for their effort. Full credit for the clubs unbeaten run has not been given due to a perceived lack of attacking quality but the resolve and determination to actually win should not go without mention – it is precisely this effort that has won the club trophies in the past.
Ratings : van der Sar 6, Rafael 7 (Brown 6), Ferdinand 7, *Vidic 8, Evra 7 (O’Shea 6), Park 6, Fletcher 7, Scholes 7, Carrick 7, Nani 7, Berbatov 7 (Chicharito)