Fans and pundits alike would have expected more from Manchester City and Manchester United’s 0-0 draw as the contest featured superstars like Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes who could turn any game on its head.
But instead, they were witness to a bore draw as Manchester City and Manchester United showed exactly why they are sitting in fifth and 15th place respectively in the Premier League this season as both teams were largely unimpressive.
Kevin De Bruyne would have been hoping to leave his mark on his final Manchester Derby in a Manchester City shirt with yet another vintage display against Manchester United.
De Bruyne accepted it’s time he leaves Manchester City and his latest display was a demonstration of why that would be the best move for all parties involved as he was far from his best and looks past his sell-by date.
Bruno Fernandes, unlike De Bruyne looked far more dangerous and inventive due to being in better form, younger and not as injury-prone as time catches up with all-time greats as well — and the Manchester City captain would be aware that he had a game to forget against Manchester United.
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Bruno Fernandes pays tribute to Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester United vs Man City
De Bruyne is widely considered Manchester City’s greatest-ever player and as he is on his last legs, it is high-time others pick up the slack in big games such as against Manchester United.
The 33-year-old has been one of the best players in the world for a decade and as his run looks set to come to an end, it is disappointing that Phil Foden in particular has endured such a massive dip in form this season.
Foden can always bounce back, however and Manchester City are eyeing Florian Wirtz to potentially replace the Belgian icon.
But as De Bruyne is a few games away from bidding farewell to Manchester City, Manchester United skipper Fernandes paid tribute to his outstanding career.
The Portuguese midfielder told Sky Sports: “De Bruyne made the Premier League better. If City is where he is and Manchester United haven’t won many trophies in this period, that is because of Kevin. He deserves all the credit, he has done fantastic.”
“Ten years in the Premier League is a lot. Kevin keeps being world-class and it was a pleasure to watch him so close, it was a pleasure to play against him and he’s going to stay in the history of the Premier League, not only of Man City.”
What Bruno Fernandes did to Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester Derby
The former Sporting CP attacker has always admired the City legend, with Fernandes revealing his “respect” for De Bruyne in the past as well.
The 30-year-old perhaps looks up to the six-time Premier League winner, who is one of the greatest attacking midfielders of all time.
Fernandes and De Bruyne hugged after the Manchester Derby and proceeded to have a chat with each other after Manchester City and Manchester United shared the spoils.
Keeping rivalries aside, it was a nice sight to witness the United hero go out of his way to embrace a true legend of the game.
