Manchester City 0 Manchester United

by James Nalton at Eastlands

BOTH managers were in a reflective mood after Thursday’s Manchester derby, as their sides edge closer to their top four target.

United boss Jose Mourinho said City are a shoo-in for a Champions League spot, but this could have been a ploy to put further pressure on their rivals ahead of the run-in.

“I think Man City are going to finish top four,” declared the Portuguese after the goalless draw at Eastlands.

“The matches they have to play I see them doing that. I think [the final place] is between us, Arsenal and Liverpool.”

His opposite number Pep Guardiola was more cautious about his side’s chances, though, alluding to the fact that there are few easy games in this league. “Leicester and Crystal Palace will not be easy,” said the City manager.

“You’ve seen what they’ve done against Arsenal and Liverpool. We are going to try the way we have played tonight. Creating many chances to score goals and hopefully we can qualify for the Champions League.”

While English stars Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford constantly threatened to light up the derby, the match was more notable for two standout defensive performances.

City captain Vincent Kompany was back at the top of his game, able to stop the much quicker Rashford on numerous occasions and remain just on the right side of the referee.

“He’s a central defender and we speak about duels with the striker, Kompany usually wins these duels,” said Guardiola.

“That is why he is an outstanding defender. It is not easy against players like Rashford, who are so quick but he is a very intelligent player.”

Eric Bailly was the standout player for the Red Devils, and one tackle on Sane in particular lit the game up as much as Rashford and his box of tricks.

But there were suggestions after the game that the Ivorian centre back needs a rest.

Mourinho was rueing the amount of injuries in his squad, and even put himself forward to play at the back alongside youngster Axel Tuanzebe in tomorrow’s game at home to Swansea.

“In this moment he’s the only other option we have,” he said of the United academy product. “Eric and Daley. They played absolutely amazing again. I will have to speak to them to see how they are and see how they feel.

“I’m also training hard in the gym so I can be an option also. Mourinho and Tuanzebe against Swansea.”