Manchester United and Man City are paying the price for the same mistake - dismal draw proved it

When the derby day final whistle sounded there was almost a collective sigh amid a stadium hush. It was over. Those inside Old Trafford could be forgiven for wondering whether it was worth it all starting.

Vintage stuff this was not. No goals, no drama and nothing to set hearts racing. "It looks like it's Sunday afternoon and they're going to go for a roast dinner together now," quipped Gary Neville.

Manchester United have underwhelmed all season while Manchester City have been far below their high standards for much of the campaign.

Perhaps then, the 90-plus minutes of Sunday's Manchester derby was to be expected. Neither side looked fluid or fearsome with the play pedestrian and the atmosphere understandably flat. It was more pre-season than Premier League.

The two sides have lost 22 top-flight matches between them this term and for large parts it seemed both were more concerned about avoiding defeat than chasing the victory.

The first half was woeful and while the second period had a little more gusto, it was difficult to find anything for either side to be enthused by.

But then this is two teams in transition. United under Ruben Amorim are trying to adapt to a new-ish manager and new-ish methods while City have an end of era feel to them typified by Kevin De Bruyne's announcement last week that he will be departing the Etihad after a dominant decade with the club.

Both need new signings and both will surely have to spend in the summer if they are to improve next term.

City's issue is the lesser evil and easier to solve. The Blues have enough young talent to build another fine side. They should have strengthened last summer on the back of a fourth straight Premier League title but Pep Guardiola felt his ageing