Ferguson makes a point

AN eagerly-awaited Manchester derby, full of vitriol from supporters and pre-match verbal sparring from the managers, failed to deliver at Eastlands last night, a goalless draw indicating the fact this was a game neither Roberto Mancini nor Alex Ferguson were prepared to lose.

Chances were virtually non-existent, apart from a first half Carlos Tevez free-kick, as packed midfields cancelled out each other and neither team played with any width.

It was a contest that did little for those critics of City’s Mancini who claim the Italian is far too cautious and has struggled to find a satisfactory way for his side to play at home while Ferguson, with his squad still missing personnel and recovering from a recent outbreak of illness in the ranks, could arguably draw more comfort from a point.