Man Utd lacking 'killer instinct', claims Fernandes after derby draw

A rather low-key derby failed to spark at Old Trafford on Sunday, as City missed an opportunity to move back into the Premier League's top four.

Neither side threatened with any regularity, with United accumulating 0.92 expected goals and City just 0.49.

However, the best chance of the match arguably fell to United substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who was denied by a fine Ederson save.

And Fernandes feels United had the edge, telling Sky Sports: "Happy with the performance, but not the result – we want to win games, we need points in the league, we're aware of that. We played against a very good side. I think the game was there for both sides.

"I think we were a little bit more dangerous, created more opportunities, but we needed more of the killer instinct to get the goals. We had too many chances, and we needed to get one in.

"Against City, you have to be patient. I think we did that well today, very well-organised, but that killer instinct was missing a little bit, but we created a lot of chances.

"I wasn't worried about the defensive organisation or the speed of the team going backwards or pressing – when we have played big teams, we have shown that.

"The problem is, sometimes, when we think we are the better team, and we don't do it in the same way we should. We are growing in that, and the manager says if he doesn't see us suffering, that means we're not giving 100%.

"Today we did it, but we have to carry on – not just for the end of the season, but everything that comes after."

Since Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of United, only Leicester City (12) have failed to score in more Premier League games than the Red Devils (eight).

United only generated one big chance, though they did have 29 touches in City's penalty area, with eight of their 13 shots coming from inside the box.

"If we carry on doing what we did today, with scoring goals, we will be close," added Fernandes, who created a game-leading three chances.

"If we relax and think it’s enough, we'll go back again. The main thing is to do this consistently."

Sunday's clash also marked the final Manchester derby of Kevin De Bruyne's City career – the Belgian having confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

"He made the Premier League better," Fernandes said of his midfield counterpart. "City have won many trophies in this period. It is also because of Kevin De Bruyne. He deserves a lot of credit.

"He has had a fantastic 10 years in the Premier League, he's done a lot. Kevin keeps being world-class.