With both teams adopting a cautious approach, chances were few and far between in the first behind closed doors meeting between the two clubs.
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City’s best opportunity fell to Riyad Mahrez, who shot straight at David De Gea following a promising counter-attack, whilst at the other end, United had a penalty decision overturned by VAR when Marcus Rashford was ruled to be offside before he was fouled by Kyle Walker.
“It’s a good point,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference.
“I would like to win but okay, it’s Old Trafford we cannot forget. They are so fast up front. It’s Manchester United.
“Most parts of the game we were good. We lacked chances to score but we were good.”
For all City struggled to find our usual rhythm going forward, the stalemate was characterised by another solid defensive display.
This was our sixth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, equalling our club record and Guardiola was particularly pleased with how his players thwarted United’s attacking threat.
“We struggle to score so we have to be solid, control the game and not concede counter-attacks,” he explained.
“I am so proud. This team will kill you. They are so fast, so good, so strong at set-pieces.
“Coming here to Old Trafford, this is quite good. I know the expectation for Manchester City is so high and we accept this but being solid is good.”
In a game lacking goalmouth action, City must have rued Sergio Aguero’s absence due to illness, deny us of the type of goal threat which might have settled a finely balanced contest.
Guardiola acknowledged his team missed the Club’s record goalscorer, but again reiterated that we must be patient with him after his recent injury troubles.
“We miss Sergio but for the last six months, not just today, he was injured a lot of times,” said the manager.
“One step at a time, he still isn’t fit. Other players are working hard. Today he had a problem in his stomach and couldn’t make a session. He was at home.
“Of course, we miss Sergio, he is the best striker in Manchester City’s history. In the next short time, we will go without him and I am sure when he is fit, he will be back.”
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