‘Mourinho wasn’t prepared to gamble’ – Three things learnt from Manchester City 0-0 Manchester United

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Manchester City desperately needed the return of Gabriel Jesus 

After months on the sidelines after a bright start, the return of Gabriel Jesus was well received by Manchester City fans on Thursday night as the young Brazilian replaced Raheem Sterling for only the final four minutes plus six of added time, but he certainly showed what the Blue Moon had been missing.

His pace and energy was an immediate threat up against a tired Manchester United defence and he caused problems from his very first step onto the field, not being afraid to track back and kick start moves from deep to get the ball forward as United looked to sit deep in their own half.

Such penetration was vital, and he could have rounded his display off perfectly with a goal had he not been caught out by the offside flag. He may not have had long on the field this time around but the initial signs look positive, even if the 20-year-old could not find the crucial derby winning goal.