Five things learned as Man United draw 0-0 against Man City

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Manchester United and Manchester City shared the points in a cagey Premier League clash.

After losing to Nottingham Forest midweek, Manchester United were looking to bounce back against arch-rivals Manchester City.

However, neither side was able to break the deadlock at Old Trafford with both teams picking up a point after a 0-0 draw.

It means United return to 13th in the Premier League table after being temporarily overtaken by Tottenham earlier in the day.

Where is Bruno Fernandes at his best?

Under Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes has thrived in a deeper role in central midfield.

Fernandes won March’s Player of the Month after his dominant displays in midfield, but he was pushed further forward against City.

The Portuguese playmaker continued to be United’s sole creator, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte controlled the midfield pivot.

However, Fernandes being pushed forward means there is always one less runner on the counter-attack. It’s still not clear exactly where his long-term future lies – or where he is at his best.

Luke Shaw returns from injury

Bruno Fernandes eclipsed Luke Shaw’s appearances for Manchester United by starting in the derby, despite the left-back joining the club six years before him.

Shaw’s terrible injury record has plagued his time at Old Trafford, but the 29-year-old was named on the bench by Amorim.

It is still unclear where Shaw will fit in Amorim’s side, either as a wing-back or one of the three centre-backs, but fans should get their answer soon with the English defender now back in contention.

Ruben Amorim vs Pep Guardiola

Just weeks before flying to England to become United’s head coach, Amorim’s Sporting dominated City in the Champions League.

Then in December, Amorim’s United beat City 2-1 at The Etihad. In his third meeting against Pep Guardiola this season, the points were shared.

It means Amorim remains unbeaten against Guardiola at United, and it extends his fairly impressive record against the ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League.

The possession problem

Before kick-off, Gary Neville argued that Louis van Gaal is the only manager since Sir Alex Ferguson who could consistently win games and dominate possession.

That has been an issue for years and it is now down to Amorim to crack it. However, the Portuguese manager was prepared to sit deep and counter-attack Manchester City on this occasion.

United only had 41% of possession, which is a reminder that, while the performances are improving, there is a long way to go under Amorim.

Matthijs de Ligt now missing

There has been good news on the injury front for Amorim this week with Shaw back, and Kobbie Mainoo on the brink of returning.

Ayden Heaven is also set to return after his injury wasn’t as bad as first feared.

However, when Amorim named his line-up at Old Trafford, Matthijs de Ligt was missing and it was later confirmed that the Dutch defender has picked up an injury.

Harry Maguire only lasted 60 minutes in the derby as his fitness continues to be monitored – Amorim cannot afford to lose another defender so he will hope De Ligt’s setback is minor.