Neither Manchester United nor Manchester City could open the scoring in the first half of their derby match at Old Trafford this evening.

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The hosts were the first to test the opposition goalkeeper, calling Joe Hart into action after just three minutes when Danny Welbeck flicked a header towards the near post. However, the England keeper got across to comfortably save his compatriot's effort.

United came close again in the ninth minute after Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie combined to set up a chance for the latter, who held off Pablo Zabaleta before flashing a low shot just wide.

City's first real chance came in the 26th minute when Samir Nasri picked up a loose ball in the area, but he skewed his effort well wide when he should have done better.

United came within inches of breaking the deadlock just before half time when Van Persie flicked the ball on to Rafael da Silva, only for the Brazilian to see his shot deflect off the woodwork on its way behind.