Neville's Derby Verdict

Gary Neville watched United and City play out a goalless draw in the Manchester derby - but reckons the rivals were deservedly clapped off the Old Trafford turf.

United substitute Jesse Lingard hit the bar late on and City keeper Joe Hart saved well from Chris Smalling in the closing stages, but the two title hopefuls had to settle for a point, City's taking them back to the Premier League summit on goal difference.

Louis van Gaal admitted he was disappointed not to claim all three but club legend Neville believes both halves of the city can take heart from the encounter.

Speaking from Old Trafford after the full-time whistle for the Gary Neville Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit said: "Both sets of fans are clapping their teams off because they recognise they've given a lot.

"We talk about the excitement of the Premier League, the madness of the Premier League but actually what we've seen is the concentration of the two teams.

"I liked a large part of what I saw and I know that might not sound like the right thing to say because we like goals and great moments but it felt like a big game; it felt like two teams who'd prepared for each other really well.

"Chances were few and far between but that's what I'd expect between a game between - coming into it - second against fourth.

"There was a cautious approach at times - not wanting to over-commit. I think City were better in the first half but I thought Manchester United were better overall in the game where possession was concerned.

"It seemed to be bubbling nicely between minute 60 and minute 69 - it looked like Manchester United were going to break through or City were going to counter-attack but after Marouane Fellaini - and then Martin Demichelis - came on, the game stopped.

"It got going again in the final five minutes when Jesse Lingard had a chance and there were a couple of set-pieces at either end but it was a tough one to create moments.

"City will be delighted given they've got their two best players - Sergio Aguero and David Silva - missing; in a game like this they're absolutely critical.

"I think Louis van Gaal will probably feel his team could have edged it in the second half but I think he'll also be appreciative of the application and the tough week they had.

"They've travelled to Moscow, to Goodison Park and then played a Manchester derby; after what happened against Arsenal [a 3-0 defeat], I think he would have taken this last week."

Credit: Skysports.com