Dreary derby exposes flaws in both Manchester teams

They traded songs about Manchester City being the best team in the world and Manchester United having won the lot.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Call it wishful thinking, nostalgia or simply a distraction from a dull, dismal derby as mediocrity and mundanity ruled at Old Trafford. The 196th derby simply illustrated the slide in standards on both sides of Manchester.

An afternoon notable for the presence of iconic greats – Eric Cantona in the stands, Kevin De Bruyne in the City forward line – was a reminder of what these clubs have been. Now they are 13th and fifth. If City finish any lower and fail to reach the Champions League, the five points dropped against United this season will appear particularly costly. “I prefer to have 10 more points or 20 more but it is what it is,” shrugged Pep Guardiola. “Old Trafford is Old Trafford.”

Even one of United’s better results under Ruben Amorim means they are now mathematically certain to finish with fewer points than last season. They did at least reach 38, the mythical number that denotes safety from relegation, though that should prompt few celebrations. “We are doing the worst season in history,” said Amorim, with a certain flair. “Manchester City is struggling. We are not in the moments to give the best spectacle.”