The latest edition of the Manchester derby a fixture that once defined passion, drama, and Premier League brilliance delivered anything but, as Manchester United and Manchester City played out a dull 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, April 6, 2025. What should have been a fiery clash between fierce rivals was instead met with criticism from all sides, with fans and pundits calling it one of the worst Manchester derbies in recent memory.

The game, devoid of clear chances and attacking intent, left supporters frustrated and neutrals disinterested. Both sides struggled to find rhythm or urgency, with minimal shots on target, barely any moments of magic, and no goals to speak of.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville didn’t hold back in his assessment, labeling the match a reflection of the "robotic" nature of modern football.

“It lacked everything that makes football great no risk, no courage, no fight. It’s becoming a game of systems, not spirit,” Neville said on Sky Sports.

Roy Keane, another ex-United legend, was even more scathing, dubbing the match a “friendly derby” and lamenting the lack of intensity from both teams.

“That didn’t feel like a derby. You expect tackles flying in, urgency, pride. It was like a pre-season game.”

The media followed suit. Reuters described the affair as “underwhelming,” while ESPN pointed to the deeper issues at both clubs as a reason for the lifeless display. Manchester City are battling for a top-four finish far from their usual title challenging standards while Manchester United continue to flounder in mid-table, currently sitting in 13th.

Even the context of Kevin De Bruyne’s final Manchester derby wasn’t enough to spark the sides into life. City’s midfield maestro received a warm send-off from fans but had little impact on a match that many wished they could forget.

Adding to the post-match gloom, a group of disillusioned United supporters stayed behind to stage yet another protest against the Glazer family, demanding ownership change amidst the club's continued decline.

For Pep Guardiola, the draw meant City remain fifth, one point behind Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification. United’s focus now shifts to the Europa League, their best hope for silverware in another underwhelming campaign.

If this derby was a measuring stick for where Manchester football stands today, then it painted a worrying picture. Once the fiercest rivalry in English football, Sunday’s encounter served only to highlight the stagnation of both clubs and left supporters wondering when the fire will return.