The Manchester derby certainly failed to live up to expectations on Sunday, with both sides settling for a point in a goalless draw. In a game lacking any true spark or energy, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United did well to limit the threat of their fierce rivals.

The Red Devils created a handful of chances at Old Trafford but struggled to consistently test Manchester City’s shot-stopper Ederson, with Joshua Zirkzee seeing his effort saved late on. Express Sport runs through the United player ratings in an uncharacteristically stale Manchester derby…

Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham Forest

Andre Onana - 4

Wasn’t truly tested by the City forwards but flapped at a few crosses and still doesn’t instil confidence in his team with his distribution.

Noussair Mazraoui - 5

Did well centrally as well as when being forced to drift out wide to cover Dalot. Made a goal-saving block to deny Phil Foden in the second half but lacked conviction in possession.

Harry Maguire – 5 (58’, Lindelof)

Steady performance from the England international. Appears to be having his minutes limited.

Leny Yoro - 6

Built out well from the back and answered almost every question that was asked of him. The Frenchman could quickly become a key part of Amorim’s system, especially with his desire to step into midfield. Booked.

Diogo Dalot - 4

Delivered several teasing crosses but struggled through extended periods of the game. Struggled to deal with City substitute Jeremie Doku and was booked as a result.

Patrick Dorgu - 3

The wingback struggled both in and out of possession for United in what was an underwhelming performance from the 20-year-old. The Denmark international’s first touch let him down in several dangerous areas and was caught out by City on the counter at times.

Casemiro - 6

Battled well in midfield in a performance which highlighted what the Brazilian still has to offer at Old Trafford. Provided the experience and nous needed to limit City from creating chances centrally.

Manuel Ugarte – 6 (71’, Mount)

Protected the backline well and his energy compensated well for Casemiro’s ageing legs. Like many of his teammates, favoured safe passes rather than looking to inject some attacking intent into his team.

Bruno Fernandes - 7

The Portugal international has led by example so far this season, and he impressed again on Sunday. Fernandes has a free role in Amorim’s system, and the skipper is thriving as a result. The 30-year-old created several chances for the Red Devils and looked the likeliest candidate to unpick the City defence.

Alejandro Garnacho – 4

His pace, energy and desire to run in behind continue to cause teams problems, but Garnacho’s end product remains his biggest weakness. Should’ve done better with a free header early in the first half.

Rasmus Hojlund – 3 (71’, Zirkzee)

Linked up play well when dropping deep to receive possession but struggled to make any true impact in the final third. Needed to try and stretch the City backline to open up space for his teammates but opted to remain stationary instead when United were looking to counter.

Substitutes

Victor Lindelof – 5. Looked shaky at times but remains capable of slotting in when required.

Mason Mount – 5. Although he left Casemiro to his own devices at times, the playmaker provided some attacking desire to the United midfield. Booked.

Joshua Zirkzee – 6. Injected some fight into the United frontline with his pressing and may have played his way into the starting lineup next weekend.