Paul Scholes praised the defensive efforts of Manchester United trio Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the 0-0 derby draw against Manchester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lacked ambition in one of the worst Manchester derbies in modern history.
Neither side sustained periods of attacking pressure and both ended up settling for a draw at Old Trafford.
But United’s defenders deserve credit for an organised showing as they nullified the threat from Pep Guardiola’s talented forwards.
Luke Shaw earned Stretty News’ man-of-the-match in Sunday’s player ratings, but Scholes picked out his three defensive teammates for recognition at full-time.
“You go right back to that Tottenham game where they had a massive shock conceding six goals they had to change the way they were playing,” Scholes told Premier League Productions, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“They had to play the two holding midfielders to protect the centre halves because they were giving chances away all the time.
“I thought Sterling was poor tonight, I thought Wan-Bissaka did well against him. Defensively, Wan-Bissaka throws himself into challenges, Lindelof was as good as he probably has been and Maguire was good.”
Ultimately, a draw can be seen as a positive result for United despite the argument a dishevelled City were there for the taking.
Solskjaer’s men lost little ground on their direct rivals after Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool all dropped points this weekend.
Confidence should also be taken from a defensive effort vastly improved from the debacle in Leipzig four days earlier.
United next take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Thursday before welcoming old rivals Leeds United to Old Trafford on Sunday.
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