A goalless derby stirs fury as United falter and City’s stars fade in Premier League power shift.

Once the Premier League‘s fiercest rivalry, the 196th Manchester derby instead served up an insipid stalemate, leaving fans, pundits and legends alike questioning the state of both clubs. Sunday’s 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Manchester City was described as “one of the dullest derbies in history,” a verdict that underscores just how far both clubs have drifted from dominance.

Former United captain Gary Neville summed it up with scathing clarity: “It should have more blood, thunder, risk and courage. Both teams looked happy with 0-0—it’s like they’re off to a roast dinner together.”

United boss Ruben Amorim, newly arrived from Sporting Lisbon, brushed off Neville’s trademark fury, noting: “I understand everything… Gary Neville is critical about everything.” Yet even Amorim acknowledged the blunt truth—neither side are currently capable of delivering a clash worthy of their stature.

City, languishing outside the top four, are clinging to hopes of Champions League qualification. But with Newcastle holding two games in hand, their position hangs by a thread. Pep Guardiola, who once turned this team into a footballing juggernaut, admitted his ageing side had dropped collectively: “It’s not one, it’s all of them—that’s why we are struggling to win games.”

United, meanwhile, sit just six points clear of Wolves and four behind Brentford—an unprecedented low for a team with their history. For Roy Keane, another ex-captain-turned-commentator, there was no hiding his fury: “Are you telling me United should be behind Crystal Palace and Wolves? Even with this group of players?”

Supporters, too, vented their frustration. Chants of “Glazers Out” rang around Old Trafford post-match, the fanbase once again blaming the club’s American owners for years of decay, dismal recruitment, and lack of vision.

United’s fundamental problem is glaring: no goal threat. The team has failed to score in 11 of 31 league games this season. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, their two young forwards, have combined for just four goals in the last four months. Only against the league’s bottom-feeders have United managed to score twice or more with any consistency.

Amorim sees his arrival as a long-term rebuild, though the early signs remain bleak. “Everybody here is suffering with these changes. We have to show something next season—right away,” he admitted.

On the other side of town, City also face a crucial summer. Kevin De Bruyne is leaving, and doubts swirl around the futures of Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Ederson. Guardiola is already looking ahead, with Andrea Cambiaso and Florian Wirtz among the names tipped to arrive. Yet, City’s transfer plans remain clouded by the looming Premier League charges—115 of them—over alleged financial breaches.

Despite the chaos, City remain a draw for talent thanks to Guardiola’s stature. But missing the Champions League for the first time in the Spaniard’s managerial career would be a significant dent to his legacy.

For now, Guardiola is focused on survival. “Eight games. Crystal Palace next. Go for it,” he said.

Yet the weekend’s dismal derby was a stark reminder: both red and blue sides of Manchester are in flux. The giants have shrunk. The power has shifted. And come summer, both clubs face a reckoning.